Say it like it is.

We got a snowblower last year. It was still brand new this year. Now, I'm not complaining that we "had to have it" last year and it didn't get used, because as I recollect, everytime I drove on the driveway it was cleared of snow, so what do I care if it was hand shovelled or snowblowed.

This year has turned out to be a very good year to own a snowblower. And Jed loves operating it. He pushed it down to Ken's one day to do his driveway. Jed suggested to his dad that he start going over to clean the driveway for one of our neighbours across the street - his wife passed away about 4 1/2 years ago  he seems to have slowed down in the last couple of years.

Jed can be kind hearted and thoughtful at times, however I suspect this had more to do with wanting to be able to use the snowblower more often. His dad agreed it would be a good idea.

The next day Jed sees the neighbour getting out of his vehicle so he ran over and flagged him down.

"Uh, yeah. Your health seems to have really gone downhill since your wife died," Jed bluntly states his observations. "Are you okay?"

The neighbour took all in stride and responded that no, in fact his health was failing and he will likely have to sell his house soon because it won't be long before he needs 24/7 care. He'll probably move to Vancouver.

He told Jed what was ailing him, but Jed doesn't remember. But Jed responded candidly one again, "Well, do you go to church?"

"Um, no. I used to years ago," he named the church, "but I haven't for a long time."

"Can I pray for you?" asks Jed. Nothing timid about my son.

"I'd love that."

"Can I snow blow your driveway whenever it snows?"

"Please do. I will pay you," the neighbour responded.

"Oh no," says Jed, "I do it for love."

"Thank you Jed." The neighbour continued, "And I'd really like it if you could shovel my back deck off. It's getting way too much snow on it. I can pay you - my money is of no value to me now."

Realizing he couldn't use the snowblower on the deck, Jed decided that was crossing the line. "No. I'll do your driveway. I might even shovel your steps. But the deck? No way." Then he adds for good meausure, "Ever since I had cancer, my energy has gone way downhill."