Something to Think About
courtesy of intoautos.com
Today I walked around the block a few times for exercise as I do everyday. But I saw something new–a pile of boxes and papers and books and furniture strewn all over the driveway and open garage of the house of one of my neighbors who had moved into our community the same month I did, when the homes were built eleven years ago. I knew something was wrong. I wondered if she was moving or cleaning house or worse case–had died.
I stopped to talk to a young man coming toward his car and he told me Pat had passed away a month ago of cancer. He was one of her employees. Then I knocked on the front door and introduced myself to Pat’s sister who was taking stock of all the belongings and having to make the difficult decision of what to keep, to sell, to give way.
courtesy of intoAutos.com
As I strolled home I was struck by how close you can be to someone in terms of location and yet so far away day to day. Pat and I had been walking buddies for several months when we moved to this area but then life took over–work, family, travel, stuff! We drifted apart and several years went by when we didn’t even run into each other.
Then suddenly about two months ago Pat was pulling into her driveway while I was walking by and we stopped and caught up, though she did not reveal her illness. She invited me to stop by sometime and maybe we could walk as we once did. I agreed. I’d watch for her car.
After that I never again saw her car in the driveway so I assumed she was away. She probably was–at a doctor’s appointment or a chemo treatment, but of course I didn’t know at the time.
I’m left today with a sad heart. Pat and I were not close friends by any means, but still she was an older woman living alone as I am now and she was a nice person to meet and share a few walks with when we were both new to the area.
How strange life is sometimes. People come and go in our lives and we come and go in theirs. We never know when it will be over–till it is!
I’m going to try to be more present to the neighbors I still have, and while I still can spread a little love around.
courtesy freedigitalphotos.net
“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
Romans 13:8
Thank you for the eye-opening reminder Karen. Sorry for the loss of your neighbor.
With Heartfelt Sympathy, BRC
Thanks, Beth.
Great reminder, Karen, to check in with the casual friends we don’t see much and ask about them. We never know unless we ask and share what’s going on with ourselves too. Just Saturday, I learned that the young man who happily bought my mother’s house after she died 2 years ago, dropped dead of a heart attack at 43-years-old. His wife had just lost twin boys the previous month which they had conceived by in Vitro. Now, her whole family is gone. Comfort those you know need love in their grief and reach out to those still here with a smile and a hug. Thanks, Karen.
Oh Heidi, what shocking news. I remember you telling me about this young family moving into your mom’s house after she passed. What a heartbreaker.
This is sad and the reality of these things happening is sad. I am glad you stopped to see what was going on! I am sure you said comforting words to those with whom you spoke and hopefully they will be at peace making decisions.
Thanks for sharing and reminding us how important it is to stay in touch with our neighbors even tho they may live “around the block”. May comfort and peach be with the family and also with you!
Love, Margaret
Thank you, Margaret. I exchanged just a few words with Pat’s sister but the woman said she appreciated hearing them since she had flown here from Virginia and didn’t know any of Pat’s neighbors.
It’s nice to live in neighborhoods where we can interact with our neighbors. In some urban areas that doesn’t happen much.
So true, Janet. I have always preferred small towns where people are close to one another. But from what happened in my neighborhood I realize that even in a tight-knit community, we can sometimes lose sight of each other.