FedEx driver learns widow recently lost her husband to cancer — moments later, she spots him shoveling snow from her porch
The grief of losing a loved one requires as much support as possible. A woman named Leigh Anne Skoda was touched to see a FedEx driver, Brian Scholl, share this support by shoveling snow from her porch, per the transportation and e-commerce company. The woman had recently lost her husband, per Fox 31. She happened to chance upon the driver while fixing her car. When the man learned of her heartbreaking loss, he was moved to practice kindness in an unforgettable way. For the widow and single mom, it is unwinding hope and comfort, knowing that she still has people out there who have her back.
According to Grief Share, the loss of a spouse can bring a void and chaos. Pam Lundell, a radio host who lost her partner suddenly, noted, “One of the big challenges with grief is you don’t know how long you will be on the journey—or even where it will take you. Grief will affect you in very different ways. Because everyone’s grief is unique.” Having children and being a single parent can bring additional challenges that are not visible and are silent and painful. Skoda had a conversation with Scholl after he offered to help with her car tires. She then mentioned that she had lost her husband to cancer.
While the duo went about their day, the loss stuck with the man. He wanted to do something kind for her. That’s when he picked up a shovel and cleared the snow from her sidewalk. He wasn’t asked to do it. Skoda was not even around when the man was in action. He did it out of goodwill. The man likely saw that she could use the help and pitched in generously. After he cleared the sidewalk, he left for his route. The single mom was astonished to see a clear path and knew someone had to be behind it. When she looked at her door camera, she spotted Scholl — the good samaritan and his gesture.
She was overwhelmed by the gesture because it was like a comforting declutter. It meant more than just having a clean path. “The first thought that came to my mind when I saw Brian scooping my porch and sidewalks was ‘God bless him.’ He is such a genuinely kind person and I know it was no big deal to him, but it meant the world to me!” she remarked. She thanked him on social media for his effort and even then, he wanted no credit and fame. “He responded by saying it was no big deal and he was glad to do it. He is so humble!” Skoda added. The mom got a heartfelt reminder from the driver’s gesture that there were people to whom she could reach out.
She got a much-needed assurance that she was not alone. “If anything, it just makes me see how connected our community is. And full of kindness! One small act of kindness can make all the difference in someone’s life,” the woman said. She also mentioned how Brian recalled that shoveling was something he’d do as a husband and would want someone to do for his wife if he were gone, just as he did for Skoda. “After losing my husband, I am now a mom and dad. I do it all, and sometimes that is exhausting. Having someone step up and help us out is a big deal! I am forever thankful to Brian and everyone who has helped us out, no matter how small or insignificant they think it might be!” the single mom remarked.