Finnish Girl’s letter to God (Helga Hiltunen)

In this heartwarming tale from Finland, a young girl named Helga Hiltunen wrote a letter to God with an innocent request just before Christmas. Unbeknownst to her, the letter would end up in the hands of none other than the President of Finland, Urho Kaleva Kekkonen.

Due to a Finnish regulation, letters with incorrect addresses are typically opened by the President of the Republic. This is how President Kekkonen came across Helga’s letter addressed to “lord God.”

Touched by the young girl’s sincerity, President Kekkonen decided to fulfill her request. However, he believed that 50 marks would suffice for a child of Helga’s age. With a kind heart, he arranged for the money and a letter “from God” to be delivered to Helga in his car.

A short while later, another letter arrived at the President’s office. It was from Helga herself, expressing her surprise and excitement when she saw Mr. President’s car stop near her house. She wrote that the entire street was captivated by the sight.

In her letter, Helga also humorously requested that God not use the President as an intermediary to deliver money anymore, as she believed he had taken half of it. Her innocent and genuine words touched the hearts of many who heard the story.

This heartwarming tale serves as a reminder of the compassion and kindness that can exist between individuals, regardless of their positions or backgrounds. The President’s gesture to fulfill a young girl’s wish showcases the power of empathy and the impact it can have on someone’s life.

Helga’s letter to God and the subsequent response from President Kekkonen became a beloved story in Finland, illustrating the country’s values of caring for its citizens, no matter how young or small their wishes may be.

This uplifting tale reminds us of the importance of nurturing the innocence and dreams of children, as well as the significance of compassion and empathy in our daily lives. It serves as a testament to the positive impact that even small acts of kindness can have on individuals and communities.