Helen Martin’s Blog

One of the [local Lions][1] became aware of a very big job that my mom had to have done on her property to avoid being heavily assessed on her taxes. He took it upon himself to round up some help at the next Lions Club meeting and the result was amazing.

Most of the guys had never met my mom, but over a dozen of them, and even a few women who accompanied them, came to the rescue today (Sunday.) Many were there the whole day. From 9 AM until at least 5 PM they worked and worked. (We could have never made a dent in the project without them.)

One Lion who is also my mom’s neighbor to the east brought his big yellow tractor looking thing (like [Scoop][2] on Bob the Builder - love my point of reference?) Other guys brought their ATVs - one of which I actually drove for a while as we hauled branches and brush - and some brought chain saws. My mom’s neighbor to the west pulled behind his truck all day a very loud and very scary looking wood chipper that mom rented, and returned it to the rental company for her.

They let us give them lunch, but wouldn’t refill their ATVs or chain saws with the gas I brought. These guys don’t like a lot of gushing and praise. They get right to business. They didn’t get discouraged by the overwhelming amount of work there was to be done, they just went to it.

I am so amazed. I don’t know how to ever thank them enough or repay their efforts. (I don’t even know how we could pay it forward.) I met so many of them that I can’t remember all their names, but I won’t forget their faces or their generosity.

We weren’t able to get everything done, but I know that they saved mom thousands of dollars. All for not much more than a pot of chili, some Mountain Dew, and our never ending thanks.

Their motto is, “We Serve.” You bet they do.

[1]:http://www.ci.vadnais-heights.mn.us/resourcedir_j.asp
[2]:http://www.epinions.com/kifm-Toys-All-Playskool_Bob_The_Builder__Scoop_The_Talking_Truck/display_~reviews