Post by DontDentMyCar on Feb 5, 2014 14:24:56 GMT -5
Get your shovel's out and think of those who need your help… and start shoveling!
Well it was pretty snowy out yesterday, the piles of snow pushed against vehicles and a young lady who I find out just moved here from California was caught totally unprepared to get her car out. Asking her if she wanted to use my shovel she replied 'yes.' I continued working on my own vehicle, me not in any rush, and her I could see was panicking. So I asked 'is there anyway for you to use the subway?' and her reply 'no, I'm trying to get to Long Island for a job interview.' So for the next 10 minutes I helped her shovel the compacted ice laden snow, giving her that last push to get her on her way.
Later that night I ran into her at the local pizzeria. She thanked me again and yes she was already very grateful for my help. I, having put my order in already said 'no problem' and did a little trip to the local convenience store while my order was heating up. Upon my return and ready to pay the pizzeria guy says "$1.00." "What?" I say, after all I order lasagna and ravioli knowing the total would be much more, and he says "the young lady paid for everything." Now that's a first for me, but certainly not a first for helping people out.
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So after helping the young lady out of her parking spot, I continue shoveling the crosswalks because they were pretty gross with slushy snow, and an elderly lady comes along pushing her rolling stabilizer (yeah I don't know what they're called). She, maybe 80 says thanks, and proceeds to apologize to me for being out on such a bad day, but says "I had to get to the pharmacy for my prescription." Funny apologizing to me but I guess she knew that people might look at her wondering why she'd be out on such a day. I helping her through and along, I think she liked having the help. So I continued to unblock those crosswalks and got back to my own day's agenda.
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And then the next day we're covered with heavy snow, rain and ice. It's everywhere and the gutters especially are filled with standing water, at driveways where people try to get across the street and of course intersections… so with my handy shovel I first clear my sidewalk, then help the neighbor who's standing on his stoop too old to do it himself asking if I know anyone to clear a path for him. I reassure him that I've cleared a 3 to 4 foot path in front of his house. He's thankful but of course. And then I clear the stacks of snow blocking the curb gutters allowing the driveways to clear, and proceed to two intersections carrying my shovel with me as I go to get breakfast, clearing them of standing water and slush…
It's not special what I did, but it does show that I care about those who can't get around easily (a note for anyone who thinks I only care about cars… you're most sorely mistaken). Who needs this help? Mother's pushing strollers, the elderly who need some assistance, children who have to get to school. As I see it, as an adult it is my responsibility to look after my community first, to do what I can within reason, so that the community I live in thrives, keeps it's positive energy (even if it was kind of flat-line before) and reinforces it as a great place to live. And the acts along generate revived energy in others to do the same… it's infectious.
And those who don't shovel consistently? Well I'd suspect they are probably extremely lazy, and perhaps exhibit the type of attitudes that are at the root problems of safety on our roads, but this is just a guess.