Life, Purpose & Helping Others

Today, began like any other Saturday with a 7 mile run. Only today it was on the treadmill because we had just received 8.5 inches of snow overnight and it made going to the gym difficult because the roads were not plowed. It also ensures I would get plenty of exercise at home dealing with the driveway and patio.

Finishing up my run I showered, got dressed and headed outside. I figured the snowblower would make easy work of the precipitation but the heavy wet April 1st snowfall proved to be a challenge for the 20 year old Toro blower.

As I slowly cleared my driveway, I happen to notice a car down the street at the corner. At first I didn't think much of it and made another pass down the driveway. I looked over again and now noticed the hazard lights were now on. I realized at that point they probably were stuck as they had attempted to drive through the plow drift of the main street the neighborhood streets fed into. It was at that point I stopped my blower, grabbed my shovel and ran down the street to offer help.

When I got to the vehicle I was met with a young woman who was obviously a little anxious given the situation. I told her I was going to help dig her out so she could be on her way. However the situation was a little more complicated then I first assessed. The car in the effort of trying to get through the plow drift of heavy wet snow was actually sitting on quite a bit of compact snow. I could see how the suspension of the tires especially in the rear where almost dangling. No wonder the wheels were not getting any traction.

As I proceeded to start to try to dig out the vehicle my neighbor, a former minister, from across the street came over to help. And together we continued to work on clearing the snow out from under the vehicle. Within 5 minutes though my next door neighbor Jose came out too. He brought some salt and boards. He thought we could use to get some traction on the tires.

Together we continued to try to free the stranded vehicle so the owner could be on their way but it was not budging. Then another of my neighbors came down to offer help as well. Some more digging, some more attempts at pushing, but traction still was not to be found. Not on the car tires or the soles of our collective boots. Neither forward or reverse would free the vehicle.

At this point we were running out of ideas and the city plow had just pulled up behind us on the unplowed street. It was then that a stranger in a vehicle passing on the main road slowed and opened his window. He asked if we could use a hand and I indicated yes. He got out and pitched in without pause. With a final heave knowing the city plow was waiting behind is we managed to set the vehicle free and the woman gave a nod of thanks with a "Gracias".

It was in that moment I realized this is what life is about. A chance to lift others up and bring them together. Here was a diverse group of people, some neighbors yes, but at the same time strangers nonetheless. All working toward a common goal, a common sense of being alive. Thinking nothing about what work lied ahead but only focused on the common cause.

In reflecting on it I wonder why can't the world be like this moment everyday? Why can't we embrace the differences for what they are and acknowledge that we all have value in this thing called life? Something to consider the next time one is faced with adversity, challenges and opportunities.

#life #diversity #integrity #doingtherightthing