Snow Man

February 17, 2012

Due to a very generous patron, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska has two 4WD pickup trucks that we use to plow snow at St. Gianna’s two locations and our downtown service center. Several weeks ago after a one-foot snowstorm, I found myself plowing snow at our downtown location (which is named after St. Joseph). In the midst of blading the lot I noticed a man dressed in a snowmobile suit, walking across the parking lot toward the main entrance of the building. Since it was Saturday, we were closed. I could only imagine his disappointment after finding the doors locked.

It must have been my guardian angel who made me leave the pile of snow I was working on and drive toward him. His countenance brightened after seeing someone in a Roman collar in the cab of the truck. After a few moments, he related his story. He was a homeless man who looked like he was in his late 30s. He needed help staying at a nearby room for a bit longer as his job search intensified. He listed off the nearby businesses he was applying for employment. He was also in need of some food. I figured I had another half an hour left to complete the blading job, and told him I would visit him and his landlord after finishing.

Before long, after packing up some food in our food pantry, I found myself with this man and his landlord. After extending his stay and giving him food, the man, in a tearful state, gave me a bear hug in the presence of his landlord. Since I drove up in a four-wheel-drive pickup with the big blade in front, the landlord said, "Can you move the snow at one of my other properties?" I immediately thought to myself, "Hey, the money I earn could be used for the payment on the room and for extra emergency services for those in need!" Fortunately, this thought lasted only a fleeting moment. I replied, "Listen, you do not want me to clean your other property’s parking lot, I’m not a professional!!"

Then the homeless man interjected, "Oh, that’s not true, I saw him in action, he is real good!" I thought to myself, "This man is not helping the situation." After these comments, the landlord started begging, since his usual snow man was swamped. As I left them, one was happy and the other disappointed.

Just before writing this column, someone said, "Father, if it wasn’t for the snow, you would not have met that homeless man in need." What is also true is that if it wasn’t for our benefactors who help us spiritually with their prayers and penances, materially with food and other needed items, and financially with cash donations according to their means, I would not have been able to help this man or any of the other individuals and families that come to us each and every day we are open for business, and even the days we are closed!

Please remember that all of our patrons and their families and intentions are in our prayers. And if you need help with your snow removal, call a professional snow man.