The following letter from Albert Wierenga highlights the positives of his walk along Pumphouse Road, despite a less-than-ideal start.
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Today’s walk started on the wrong note and could have spoiled what normally is a very pleasant time. I had decided to walk Pumphouse Road and clean up some of the debris that has been thrown out of cars during the snowy months and, of course, retrieve the beer cans to raise some money for War Amps.
As I parked at the Pumphouse, my eyes were immediately drawn to this eyesore.
Some inconsiderate clod decided that his garbage was someone else’s problem to take to the dump and therefore dropped it in what is a very nice fishing area in the summer. It is also used by some people as a nice summer spot to have lunch. The town has kindly made some bins available to avoid fouling the area.
After taking this picture and sending the maintenance department a request to remove the offensive material, the hour-long walk started in earnest. I was about 15 minutes along when a car slowed down and stopped beside me. The window rolled down and I was greeted by a young lady who proceeded to thank me for picking up other people’s garbage. That opening and kindness led to a conversation about nature, chickens, and other things.
She pointed to several egg cartons in her car and said, “I would like to give you a dozen eggs from my chickens.”
By nature, I am a little hesitant about receiving gifts, but decided to follow my grandmother’s wise words: “Always accept offered gifts and thank the giver warmly.”
I said that I would be pleased to receive the eggs, but could she drop them off by my car, which was parked near the Pumphouse. That way I would not break the eggs. She consented. We bumped gloved COVID fists, and I completed the set-out route collecting what needed to be collected. Upon my return to the car, I retrieved the carton and put it in my car.
Sketch my surprise when, once I was home again, I opened the carton and found not only a dozen, colourful eggs, but also a donation for War Amps. I did catch her name and, therefore, Maria, your intercession changed my darker mood from the start of the walk to brighter. There is lots of human kindness in Bradford. Maria, you are a very considerate person.
Albert Wierenga
Bradford
