Editor's note: Last December, The Union ran an article by LeeAnn Brook, telling a story about Nevada City's "Christmas Tree Lady," Diane Bishop. It told about how Diane started the tradition by donning her handmade Christmas tree costume every year for the past 15 years at Nevada City's Victorian Christmas. As Diane prepares to move to the East Coast to live with her family, today's column is a sequel to that story.

A 7-foot-tall walking Christmas tree wanders through the crowds at Nevada City's Victorian Christmas. Onlookers part as they smile in amazement at the woman in the handmade costume of green felt, shimmering baubles, gingerbread men, and fringe. The woman smiles, offering them free candy canes and even dog biscuits for the canine lovers - at no charge, no obligation, no catch, but simply because she loves doing it. Her reason for doing it extends far beyond seeing people laugh, meeting complete strangers behind the guise of a costume, and spreading holiday cheer. Her reason for doing it is because she can. And it is because we all can.

There is another part to the story, though. There is another "unsung hero" who was even more altruistic in his efforts. It was Diane's husband, Howard. Howard would lovingly and devotedly follow Diane through the crowds with a bag of candy canes and dog biscuits, ready to replenish her stash at a moment's notice. Dressed in normal street clothes, no one ever suspected that this onlooker played such an important role. Howard not only played the role of supplier of goods, but more importantly, he played the role of a supportive, adoring, loving husband to Diane.

Several months ago, Howard was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Last week, he passed away at home in the loving arms of the Christmas Tree Lady. As she shared her story with me, I knew that it needed to be shared with our community. I knew that we needed to recognize Diane and Howard for their indisputable, undeniable, selfless hearts of love. Their hearts not only reflected an abundant love and devotion for each other, but also a selfless, joyful love of our community by spreading good will.

We need more people to carry on Diane and Howard's tradition. Flood your loved ones with abounding support and selfless love. Feel the joy of feeding someone else's joy. Most importantly, feel the humility of it all and do it in the background. Do it not for recognition, not to get love in return, but do it for the sheer fullness of devotion - a devotion to others in a way that spreads the most infectious type of love of all.

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LeeAnn Brook is president/creative director of the Brook Design Group