While biking deep within Wompatuck State Park this summer, my daughter and I passed an elderly woman meandering slowly on a mobility scooter. As we exchanged greetings, I became aware of her physical and verbal stiffness and I was a bit surprised to see her alone so far down this particular wooded path. However, it was a beautiful day to be among the trees and I was happy to see her enjoying nature despite her disabilities.

After a thorough tour of the northeast quadrant of the park, we met up with this woman again but this time I noticed she had a snow shovel in her hands. As we zoomed passed her I could see she was using the shovel to push debris off the bike path. Pine needles, twigs, rocks and other hazards were all being nudged away. She was taking it upon herself to improve the conditions of the path. Despite her own slowed mobility, she was improving the safety and enjoyment of the ride for others. At the same time, she was basking in a sunny afternoon in a local park. Her afternoon was spent not only absorbing the sights, sounds, smells and feelings of those woods, she was also offering a gift of service using the means available to her.

This act moved me so much that day and every time since that I have entered Wompatuck. I find her willingness to do whatever she could in her own beloved woods to be so admirable. I do not know how she arrived at the park that day or left to go home, but I would guess that forest was close to home and one she frequented often. She knew the bike trails were heavily used. She knew storms and time had cluttered the way. She knew she was capable of making a positive contribution there. What I wonder is why she chose to clear the way? Did she previously bike there? Did she fall once? Did a loved one? Does she just like being in the woods and wanted to help others that share that desire? Or perhaps the “why” doesn’t matter as much as the act itself.

Looking back, I wish I had stopped our speed to thank her directly. However, I am only left with the option of expressing my gratitude by sharing her gracious act with others - by radiating her ripples of kindness through her story. Sometimes with all the atrocities across the globe, we forget to look in our own backyards. The wars, crimes and hatred we learn about can often leave us feeling paralyzed. The problems seem so big for us to make any worthy contribution. However, we can make a great impact in our own communities if we just look closely. This quiet yet powerful Wompatuck friend did just that. With her simple path clearing, she prevented an unknown number of scraped knees and bruised elbows. She wanted to prevent harm from reaching others. She felt that strong desire to help. Despite her impairments she did not feel paralyzed. She created a purposeful way within her means and in her own community to contribute.

How will we do the same?