In December of 2007, I slipped down my driveway, which was coated in 1/2" of pure ice. I foot-skied down the driveway, probably getting up to about 20 mph before I hit the bottom and was thrown into the street. Here's a shot of the scene after a recent snowfall, for perspective.I injured my ribs & back pretty severely - but it's all soft tissue damage, no breaks - and I've been trying to recover. Since then, we've had three significant snowfalls and another one is looming. There's been little time to allow for the healing process in between. Shoveling that monster has been a series of grueling tasks.
Because of a variety of circumstances, we haven't been able to afford a snowblower (a previously purchased used Toro was a debacle) and the setup of our driveway makes hiring a plow impractical and impossible. As a result, it's all shoveling for me. And it's really taking its toll on me physically (and often mentally too).
I am not usually one to ask for help or to try to get anything out of my social media networks. So you can imagine that the circumstances - both financially and physically - must be pretty dire to warrant me asking for assistance. Seeing how the community has rallied around many other members this year, I thought that maybe - just maybe - there might be a little charity left for me this season. So I've started a ChipIn to help reach the goal of buying a snowblower that can handle the hill.
If this angle doesn't work out - and I have very low expectations - perhaps Toro, Sears or Lowes are paying attention. It would be an interesting project for them to be involved in.
From a personal perspective, you don't know how hard it is for me to ask for help. I'm really opening myself up to my extended network here, and I feel completely vulnerable. But if you can spare anything that could help me to clear my drive way and allow my injuries to heal this season, I'm sure my vulnerability would be replaced with humility, sheer gratitude and awe at the power of social networks.
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