Intensity, passion, discipline, and raw ambition drive me. Little did I know, that by volunteering to help weed the rotary in Watertown, the meaning of such adjectives would not only be met, but also exceeded. Innocently, I volunteered to help our Rotary chapter with the task at hand.First, as luck would have it, 2024 has been the hottest summer on record. Period. In my hubris, not only did I fail to bring a hat to cover my bald head, but I also elected to wear dress clothes with long sleeves and pants. I felt the Rotary blue motif was conveyed through such attire. We scheduled the weeding for 3PM on a weekday. The sun ‘s rays were beating.
Second, I had no experience weeding. Growing up, both my parents were caretakers of the family lawn and gardens. Heck, as a law student in 2016, I managed to kill a mint plant I was cultivating, by over watering it. I then went and bought a replacement, which I promptly killed by under watering it. Shortly thereafter I decided my thumbs were not green.
Third, I decided to walk to the rotary. I felt that a mile walk would be good for me. By the time I arrived, I was already drenched in sweat. Instead of questioning my life choices up through this point, I asked how I could be of assistance.
The Department of Public Works employee handed me a tool, approximately 5ft long with a wooden handle and metal piece on the bottom. He told me to, “have at it,” or something to that effect. I didn’t even know which plants were weeds, and which were flowers! Luckily, a fellow Rotarian explained which plants were invasive. Truth be told, I also used my discretion.
As I tore the weeds up in the beating sun, I started to feel a compulsion. The only thing on my mind was the next weed. The cars, the sun, and the other members disappeared from my focus. Only the next weed mattered. After what I estimate to be an hour or so, we finished. The rotary looked pristine. I looked like I’d attempted to run the Boston Marathon in dress clothes.
From then on, I felt a sense of pride every time I passed the rotary in Watertown. I felt empowered, for I helped actively make the community better for everyone. No use of politics required.
During our weekly lunch meeting, the topic of re-weeding the rotary arose. I was surprised at the passion in my voice when describing how remarkable the event was. We picked a date, and members decided whether to attend. As it turned out, the date we picked was spoiled by a vicious rainstorm. I found myself disappointed.
We were able to reschedule a date with success. Yet again, having failed to learn my lesson, I wore dress clothes and walked to the rotary. I grabbed a tool like the previously used one, that a fellow Rotarian brought, and we went at the weeds in the rotary. This time there were far less of us and no one from the Department of Public Works. Yet again, I found myself blind with discipline, drive, and focus. Yet again, every time I pass the rotary, I feel pride and empowerment.
Perhaps next year I will try my luck at tending a garden. Written and edited by Raphael B. Hirsch.
Raphael Hirsch may be reached via phone at: 857.500.7400.
Email: RHirsch@Rbhlawgroup.com
Second, I had no experience weeding. Growing up, both my parents were caretakers of the family lawn and gardens. Heck, as a law student in 2016, I managed to kill a mint plant I was cultivating, by over watering it. I then went and bought a replacement, which I promptly killed by under watering it. Shortly thereafter I decided my thumbs were not green.
Third, I decided to walk to the rotary. I felt that a mile walk would be good for me. By the time I arrived, I was already drenched in sweat. Instead of questioning my life choices up through this point, I asked how I could be of assistance.
The Department of Public Works employee handed me a tool, approximately 5ft long with a wooden handle and metal piece on the bottom. He told me to, “have at it,” or something to that effect. I didn’t even know which plants were weeds, and which were flowers! Luckily, a fellow Rotarian explained which plants were invasive. Truth be told, I also used my discretion.
As I tore the weeds up in the beating sun, I started to feel a compulsion. The only thing on my mind was the next weed. The cars, the sun, and the other members disappeared from my focus. Only the next weed mattered. After what I estimate to be an hour or so, we finished. The rotary looked pristine. I looked like I’d attempted to run the Boston Marathon in dress clothes.
From then on, I felt a sense of pride every time I passed the rotary in Watertown. I felt empowered, for I helped actively make the community better for everyone. No use of politics required.
During our weekly lunch meeting, the topic of re-weeding the rotary arose. I was surprised at the passion in my voice when describing how remarkable the event was. We picked a date, and members decided whether to attend. As it turned out, the date we picked was spoiled by a vicious rainstorm. I found myself disappointed.
We were able to reschedule a date with success. Yet again, having failed to learn my lesson, I wore dress clothes and walked to the rotary. I grabbed a tool like the previously used one, that a fellow Rotarian brought, and we went at the weeds in the rotary. This time there were far less of us and no one from the Department of Public Works. Yet again, I found myself blind with discipline, drive, and focus. Yet again, every time I pass the rotary, I feel pride and empowerment.
Perhaps next year I will try my luck at tending a garden. Written and edited by Raphael B. Hirsch.
Raphael Hirsch may be reached via phone at: 857.500.7400.
Email: RHirsch@Rbhlawgroup.com