In the nineties we had a snow and ice storm, and lost power at our house. When it finally came back on Mom sang the Halleluja chorus, and it went off again. It came back on, and once again, Mom sang, and off the power went again. This happened like three times before power was restored, and we were begging Mom not to sing it any more.
Well, we have weathered our own ice storm this week, bringing back that fond memory. But we didn't lose power, thank God, unlike a lot of unfortunate people out there. I stayed up half the night worrying if I'd have to prepare the fireplace for a warming fire when the ice came.
Jamie helped a homeless couple find some shelter the other day. he even bought them a few provisions before they went on their way, grateful that someone was willing to help, event if it was only a little bit.
Yesterday, as I was leaving the grocery store I saw a guy who needed a jump, so I gestured to him and pulled my car around to help. He attached the jumper cables, but only a dismal click sounded when he turned the key. His friend pulled in about that time and said that they would have to get a new battery, he guessed. I left the poor guy in the hands of his friend and said goodbye and good luck.
I tried helping. I really did. But it seems like I can't even help people effectively! Jamie was proud of me though, smiling and telling me I did the right thing.
I like to think that Mom would approve, even though I didn't fix the problem, but I tried.
Dad said he had some refugees from the storm. The circumstances were quite different but the anecdote reminded me of my childhood. One night a family was stranded on our road in a storm. Mom and Dad passed around warm dry towels and later helped them get on their way. I was young and don't remember all the details, but I remember being moved by that simple kindness.
After the 4+ inches of snow last weekend our neighbor got a car stuck in the edge of or yard. I tried helping, but only managed to sling mud all over my neighbor as she tried to push. It was comical really, two twenty-something women trying feebly to move a snowed-in SUV. But as soon as Jamie made it home from work, he rocked it til it came unstuck. Just like that.
Another guy slid into our yard on Monday. I peeked out of the gate to see. He was alone in his 96 Honda Civic, and stuck at the corner edge of the yard. Luckily he maneuvered around the yard and road enough to get out. But I had a brief moment where I thought I'd help him what little I could if he got stuck.
I look around and see my friends helping others too, and feel content in my place here. I may not be able to fix everything, but I can always try to help.
