Yesterday, a massive wind blew through our city. It was rather unusual and certainly fierce, but it was ushering in a storm, so perhaps it was expected. However, I stopped in surprise and stared as the gale whipped through our backyard, depositing leaves, palm fronds and debris in our pool and all over the backyard. I was admiring the power of the wind, and how in less than 5 minutes, that force of nature could create such mayhem. I had no idea at that moment that this wind had toppled the better part of a 23 year old shade tree in my front yard.
When I discovered the tree, I experienced all the mixed emotions of regret for losing a shade tree, relief that the enormous limbs had not landed on my neighbor’s home, and dread of cleaning up the mess left behind. I text my husband and figured we would conquer the aftermath together. However, the rain was still softly falling and it was late afternoon, so I figured I better start chopping away and get some of this massive chore done.
It was messy and grueling work, and much to my delight and astonishment my 21 year old daughter came out to help me unbidden. 🙂 This was a beautiful win because yard work is not her favorite! Her presence definitely buoyed my spirits, because two working on a large task is so much better than one! We grappled these fallen limbs with a couple of tree loppers for an hour or so, filling up two trashcans, but only making a dent in the work at hand. I realized we were going to have to drag the limbs to the side of the house, because we simply didn’t have the space in trashcans to dispose of this much tree! A kind neighbor, Tarmy, slowed her car and commiserated with us briefly over the loss of such a large tree. My daughter and I got back to work.
A few minutes later, Scott, another neighbor, came down the street and asked how things were going. Before you know it, he was kindly offering a trashcan and his time. He wheeled down the street his infant daughter in a stroller with one hand and his trashcan in the other. It was still sprinkling, it was definitely the dinnertime hour and this good man was lifting the burdens of another and with a baby in tow! Not five minutes later, Evan, Tarmy’s husband was wheeling down a trashcan of his own, wearing his work-clothes. Soon his daughter Jane came with another trashcan and two more hands to help. Sam, our next door neighbor, arrived home from work and also joined. By the time my husband came home there were six people working on this fallen tree.
I was touched by this kind showing that was completely unsolicited and yet generously given. I almost didn’t even know I needed the help, until I was surrounded and realized six working on a large task is so much greater than two. Many hands do indeed make light work.
We filled seven trashcans overflowing with branches, leaves and wood.
Truthfully though, in this experience, I was the most filled.
I had this surreal moment of seeing all these kind neighbors working while the light of the day was fading. We were all a bit wet from the rain, and little kids ran around delighted for the change of routine. It was like being in a feel good movie of old where neighbors help neighbors, but it was happening beautifully all around me in 2022.
Just in case you feel that people are not your favorite, I invite you to consider these good people.
Just in case you think that nobody cares anymore, I submit this scene for evidence that they do.
It was just a fallen tree, not even an emergency, but good people saw, came and helped.
Before you know it, it was almost completely dark outside, and these neighbors and friends wrestled their now full trashcans down the street, returning to their homes with their children. Sam even swept the last of the debris, such a kind touch!
Thank you for the reminder that kindness is medicinal and contagious. Thank you for the example that stepping in to help is never out of fashion. Thank you for pausing your busy lives to help wheel away some of my burden. May I remember from your example that I also have two able hands to help others and a trashcan to take some of the burden.
Yes, I was definitely the most filled.
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Ah, this is so fantastic! What awesome neighbors!
Right?!? Such a good example to me! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by Kristy!