One evening at about 10 p.m., I was sitting in the living room when I heard a loud pop that sounded like something exploded near the garage. It really scared me. I slowly opened the door to find hot water spewing forcefully out of the hot water heater. I searched frantically for the do-hickey that turns off the water in the yard. It was nowhere to be found. Not knowing what to do next and realizing it might take hours for a serviceman to appear, I walked across the street to knock on a neighbor’s door to see if they had the tool I needed.
I have to admit, although I’ve lived in my home for over 20 years, I didn’t know my neighbors. We may wave as we pass in and out of driveways, but that is about it.
My neighbor came to the door and without hesitation came to my rescue. He didn’t offer to let me borrow the device; he went and got it and walked over to my yard and proceeded to do it himself. It wasn’t working, so he walked over to another neighbor’s house and asked to see if that neighbor had a different device (did I mention it was pouring down rain as well?!).
That neighbor also came out without hesitation to assist. Both could have easily just offered the device and stayed in their house. Despite the rain, the time of day, along with not knowing me, they talked and laughed and shared stories of similar incidents – all the while working for over an hour resolving the issue. When the work was complete, these two kind gentlemen became my friends. Each of them offered their assistance at any time that I needed.
Before this incident, we were neighbors by location. Now after one act of kindness, we are neighbors in the true sense of the word.
Often, I will come home to find my trash cans have been put away and I smile because I know it was one of them. We stop and talk some now, rather than just waving. We check in on each other from time to time. I’ve learned about their jobs and families.
Neighbors – those who care for you, show mercy, never hesitate to give a helping hand, and who give generously of their time at any hour or in any condition. Neighbors don’t have to live in close proximity, but it sure is nice when they live across the street!
– Julie Robinson, Executive Director Studio 222
