I have a friend who works for the Ithaca Department of Public Works. Until today, I haven’t known his name.
I see him when I’m out running or walking, waving at him seated high in his truck. I look for him when a blue truck rolls by—that’s what you do with friends, right?
A couple of summers ago, my friend was part of a city road crew that dug up and then fixed our street. Gill and I had just found out that major sewer line repair needed to happen at our house. The excavator, plumber, and city DPW crew worked together over a series of days. One day, the excavator bought pizza for the city crew to thank them. It’s hot and exhausting work and there’s nothing like food to say, “Thank you.”
I was inspired by this act of kindness and the next time I saw my friend—this was in the days before we knew each other—I ran over to his truck and asked if he liked pumpkin bread. “Sure do,” he said, no hesitation at all.
I booked the last block home and wrapped up one of the loaves that had just come out of the oven and ran it back. The little favors continued. An offer of help with shoveling out my car after the big storm not long ago. I declined, but I knew in a pinch he’d be there. Yesterday, after the most recent storm of ice and snow, I went outside to shovel at about 10 am.
Barbara, who owns the apartments next door, was out clearing the walk and came over with a grin the likes of which I’ve not seen on her. “Guess what?” she said. “The nicest man stopped his truck in the middle of the road.”
I knew what was coming.
“He got out, shoveled my path and then yours.” She had noticed my expression as I came down the stairs wondering who had shoveled my walk.
“Was he…?” and I describe my friend’s appearance. You already know.
“Yes! His name is Rudy” she said.
I’d been meaning to ask.
I’m a little embarrassed that I hadn’t asked him for his name, but it hasn’t really mattered. I’ve called him my friend.
It’s really true, what my mother taught me, it’s the little things in life that matter. A connection, acts of kindness…Together.
Thank you, Rudy.