I was scrolling through Facebook this week when I came across a story by Eric Johnson called “A Man and a Park.”
Eric Johnson is a former news anchor for Seattle’s KOMO 4 station. His long-time series “Eric’s Heroes” featured stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. This particular story aired a few years ago. I highly encourage you to watch it—I’ve linked it at the bottom of this post.
In the story, he introduces us to Danny Patnode, a man who grew up going to McKinley Park in Tacoma, WA, when it was a popular community attraction. Sadly, the park’s condition and public appeal deteriorated over time.
Danny, now an adult, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. At first, Danny found himself wallowing in despair, coping by drinking.
One day, he decided to leave his house and pick up trash. A man named Larry drove by and invited Danny to help him clean up McKinley Park.
Danny began showing up regularly to take care of the park. He cleared overgrown bushes, picked up trash, and even left small “parkside attractions” to bring delight to parkgoers.
Along with his quality of life, his health improved.
“This place not only saved my life, it’s changed it. It’s given me purpose…”
I found myself incredibly moved by this story. I watched a man who was once filled with sickness and despair describe the way his life was transformed. I saw the spark in his eyes as he described the way this place made him feel— “I actually think I found heaven on Earth down here.” And I heard the gratitude of parkgoers who appreciate just how much Danny gives to the park.
As I listened to Danny’s story, Immanuel Kant’s words came to mind:
“Rules for happiness: Something to do, someone to love, something to hope for.”
Danny’s journey embodies these words so beautifully. He found something to do—giving his time and energy to transform the park. He found someone to love—all the people he interacts with in the park. He found something to hope for—greater health and vitality for the park and for himself.
And if I may add one more rule: something to care for. When we experience the gift of caring for and nurturing something beyond ourselves, we realize that we, too, are worthy of care.
May this reminder lead you gently forward today.
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