Heartwarming Nor'easter

Amid any destructive storm, many ordinary people come together and do what they can to aid in simple relief efforts. Here is our little heartwarming example of kindness amid the downed trees and power lines.

Living on Cape Cod, we find many friends who are elderly and alone. My husband and adventurous daughter set out to check on these friends who not only had no power but no phone service. As they set forth to head down 6A towards East Sandwich to check on one of our most beloved friends, they found half of dozen large downed trees blocking the roadway.

With only a single chainsaw in hand, they cut and moved each tree (and stopped an equal amount of times to move dangerous debris). My daughter reported that each time they stopped, at least one person came out of their cars to help move limbs, and even the DPW people stopped and thanked them. Nothing like a few dozen high fives and even more shout-outs to make the work worthwhile.

Continuing along their way, these two good-doers saw an old giant tree across a driveway and an elderly local who looked distressed. So, with a wave and a smile, they headed to help.

Over the years and previous snowstorms, I can't tell you how many strangers driveways my husband has snowplowed. He was taught to care not only for his friends but also for his neighbors. He never charges a dime, but I can tell you my husband gains something more than money could ever buy. My daughter has learned this lesson over the years, and I couldn't be more proud.

I often want to sit back and pretend that it is someone else's problem. (And that is kind of what I did as I slept most of the day). I was reminded of the importance of checking on a neighbor or calling a friend. This type of support fills us in a way that nothing else like giving can do.

I want to thank all of those who helped and cared for others during and after this storm.