[GizzyGirl]

Today I woke up with a large tree crashed across the driveway. No one was hurt and nothing was crushed, so for me it was both a giant relief and a tremendous headache. I was not going anywhere until it was cleared! No power, no cell, and I'm sure I'm one in a line of a million customers who would need help. I no sooner came in from taking pictures when two of my neighbors showed up on the other side of the tree, with their wives and kids. I re-buttoned my coat, grabbed my gloves and ran out to join them... and with a lot of teamwork, we cut, rolled, stacked and cleared the whole giant mess in about 2 1/2 hours. Five neighbors and their kids, helping me, a neighbor. I am sure I was smiling every step I took.

And I was thinking the whole time... Thank God we don't believe, as President Obama believes, that we should all hate each other and despise each other simply because we are in different tax brackets and economic situations. His message doesn't sell in our neighborhood!

[Stat-boy]

Same thing here after Hurricane Ike (2008) in Houston. After surveying the damage, I grabbed my chainsaw, accessories, and started helping neighbors clear trees. (We were lucky, the only tree down was in the back yard, and while it did damage a corner of my back porch, it was not something that needed immediate attention.

[Shannon]

Great story! Glad it turned out okay for you.

[Candor7]

Kudos to you! Among your many accomplishments, you now count “logging” as a bnullet point!

Thats the way to git ‘er done!

[proud American in Canada]

I’m in Gatineau Quebec, and we just experienced pretty high winds. I was out at 6:30 this morning taking out the garbage (I didn’t want to leave it out overnight so stuff would go flying all over the place). My neighbor across the street was out with his chain saw, removing downed trees. He said hi and good morning; I offered to help but he smiled and said he was pretty much done.

I had a huge smile on my face and have been in a great mood since. People pitching in for each other is really uplifting; adverse events can bring out the best in people.

Or sometimes not, as we saw with Katrina.

My prayers are with all those affected.