When we drive from our home to do errands, a mile or so away there's an elderly gentleman sitting in his carport. He's always waving. Morning, noon, and evening he sits in his porch swing in his carport waving to all who go by. The other day I thought to myself, I bet he's lost his wife. Sometimes I feel things about folks.
Today I made a big batch of potato salad and decided to hop in my car and bring him a bowl. He's always so friendly and his friendliness is contagious. I drove up and passed his driveway by and there he was sitting in his swing and waving. He has a stairway in the front and he came out to greet me and I gave him the potato salad. He told me he lost his wife two years ago to rheumatoid arthritis. He said that's about the worst there is. His name is Richard and he said to come by any time. We plan to stop by to visit sometime next week.
When I got back home, Gary said why did you bring him potato salad. I said it doesn't hurt to be neighborly and I hope if I'm sitting on my front porch some day someone stops by to visit or brings me some potato salad.
It's raining cats and dogs and a cool breeze is drifting in; I'm enjoying this evening immensely. For the past six months I've been mulling over changes, big changes, and I can't quite put them to words. Maybe next week I will. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
What a lovely gesture. I really like the idea of reaching out that way. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi Elephant's Child, thanks, today was a reminder to myself that I need to remember to have the courage to reach out to folks and follow through with that more often.
DeleteNice Linda. I bet your kindness was much appreciated.
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DeleteHi Meredith, thanks, I hope my gesture brought a little joy to his life. Our world is so full of problems I need to stay grounded by remembering to be kind as often as I can.
ReplyDeleteBless you for this act of kindness...I am glad that there are people like you in the world...
ReplyDeleteHi Keith, thanks, and I am glad there are folks willing to received a kindness, some might be afraid to receive
DeleteThat was a wonderful, thoughtful gesture, Linda...I'm sure Richard appreciates your kindness. Good on you for doing so. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Lee, thanks, a good way to meet my neighbors too.
DeleteIt was nice of you to visit that man and bring him the potato salad.
ReplyDeleteHi Gigi, thanks, the man's waving each day we went by encouraged me to do something kind.
DeleteBig Hugs to you Linda!!! You live by the Golden Rule. The world is a better place when we extend kindness to one another, isn't it? That seems to be the only thing we have any real control over. I have a homeless man story, that I won't tell here, because it is long. But my being kind to an old man caused someone else, who you could tell by the scowl on his face, was prepared to be mean, to rethink his actions. I witnessed it, and it made me smile.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara, thanks, when I was in SF visiting my brother once a drugged out guy begged me for some money at a gas station. I told him I'd buy him lunch at the McDonalds' which was there, he said no, then a few minutes later he came back and said he'd take me up on it. At least he had a meal; one good deed - indeed - encourages another.
DeleteWhat a great gesture of good will, Linda. May it return to you a thousand-fold!
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara, thanks, it takes a little effort but I think the effort is worth it; it encourages me to look beyond just myself.
DeleteI am sure that you made his day!
ReplyDeleteHi Michele, thanks, he did seem surprised; I hope he liked it. Ha.
Deletewhat a lovely thoughtful gesture. Too often we hold back and don't want to 'get involved'.
ReplyDeleteHi Anna, thanks, it is easier to not get involved but if more get involved I think more will be encouraged to do the same.
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