Winter made quite an introduction in Virginia last week. Officially, it was still the Fall season when 16 inches of snow hit most of the Commonwealth. For perspective, that's more than the average amount of snow we receive annually in this part of the country.
So there I was driving home Friday night from work in the heavy snowfall. I almost made it home. Made it within one mile to be exact. I lost control of my car and slid into a snow drift.
I tried hopelessly to back out (my front wheel drive Pontiac does dig itself deeper into the snow quite successfully, I should add).
Thankfully, another car approached as I stepped outside my car. Help at last to the genius who wore dress slacks and shoes to the office that day and was already standing ankle deep in the snow.
The other car slowed down. But only to pass me and keep going. Must have been in a hurry.
Another car approached. This one flew by. Must have really been in a hurry I justified.
This went on for awhile as I contemplated leaving my car and walking the final mile home. I started to wonder...Do people even notice when someone is in need anymore? Or do they notice and no longer care?
I questioned what would I do in the situation. Have I too stopped paying attention? The unforgettable story about the subway violinist in DC I recently discovered was striking me in the cold winter night.
Finally, two Good Samaritans stopped their vehicles. I was quickly rescued and was able to glide my vehicle safely home (the power steering went out). For them, I sensed there was never a moment of hesitation on their part to help someone in need.
Three nights (and 12 more inches of snow) later, I noticed a driver in the same predicament. Her car had drifted off the road and was stuck. The loud noise of spinning wheels on ice echoed in the wind.
Where was anyone to help? I'm sure the noise could be heard a mile away in the neighborhood.
I grabbed my shovel and did exactly what the other two strangers had done for me. I chipped away at the ice and pushed her vehicle out of the snow pile.
I wonder if I would have been there to help had I had not just gone through the same experience?
As I start the New Year, I have made it a resolution to not lose focus on those in need. To not hesitate when I can help. To recognize there is a reason I am there at that moment.
I will go through each day of the year asking myself this question...
Am I shovel ready?
I encourage you to do the same. You will make a difference in your career and in your community in 2010 simply by paying it forward each day.
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