Many thanks to a Wilmington teacher named Dana

Chivalry lives! Here is a beautiful story of generosity from one of Wilmington's teachers.  I know only his first name:  Dana.  He is young, tall, and good looking...but that's not the best part:  He has an incredible spirit that he showed to me on Wednesday evening.   I am the coordinator for the local 40 Days for Life campaign in Lynn.  It is a controversial endeavor to say the least.  We pray in front of an abortion clinic on the grounds of Union Hospital.  We aren't allowed to park on hospital property and must stay on the public sidewalk.  We started our current campaign on Wednesday morning at 7:00.  When I arrived, the sidewalk approaching the hospital was only partially cleared.  Walking in the very busy street (Route 129) was treacherous but no one complained.  The priest who works with me shoveled some around noon but didn't have time to complete the great distance that was required.  So I returned at 4:00 to see what I could do.  I am a 50-year old asthmatic woman with multiple health issues--but I had to try.  I was nearly done but my lungs were giving out rapidly when from the hospital parking lot came an unbelievable sight!  Dana, in his shirt, tie, and Wilmington Wildcats hoodie, was carrying a shovel and walking toward me and the remaining snowy impasse.  I had purposely put the 40 Days sign in the snowbanking so he knew why I was there...and he helped me anyway!  I asked if I knew him and he said no, "This is a random act of kindness".  When we finally shook hands as we broke through the last of the snow, I promised that he would be greatly rewarded for his kindness to me.  He assured me it wasn't necessary.  He only asked that I, "Pay it forward".  I was speechless:  This was my father's favorite saying, his favorite movie, and the way he lived his life every day.  He died very suddenly at the age of 71 on October 7, 2010.  It was very emotional and heartwarming for me.  A good Samaritan gave me precious gifts that day that he could have had no idea were so meaningful.    I wish I knew his name to thank him personally. I am most grateful that such upstanding young people have chosen such a selfless profession.  His students are blessed to have such a man influencing their young lives as their mentor :) Cori M. Connor-Morse, CPA Lynnfield, MA