Being Neighborly

I have never been one to get too close to neighbors. This is because I have never really had time to get involved. However, since I gave up full-time work in June 2009, my next-door neighbor and I have had more time to be cordial and connected. In fact, I have hired him to maintain my yard because my duty of care to my mother has taken up most of my spare time.

Last week, Colin told me he has to go to a major local hospital for some tests. They involve the patient not driving a vehicle for 48 hours after the procedure. I am quite aware Colin has no close family who can take him to the designated hospital and return him to his home. His only close relative is a niece who lives nearby but who teaches school and has two children who rely on her 24/7. Having known Colin for almost 20 years, he was able to ask me to take him to the hospital and transport him to home. We have a lovely neighborly relationship that allows each of us to turn to the other for help when needed.

Chicken soup - a shared meal for recovery

In addition to doing my neighborly duty, I have decided to cook a wholesome meal of chicken soup so when I bring my neighbor home, we (my Mum and I and Colin) can all share a nutritious meal. It is well known that chicken soup is universal for "recovery from illness". I am sure my chicken soup will get my neighbor back into the swing of things after his hospital ordeal.

A good deed makes a person feel good

What is life if you can't help a neighbor? Doing a good deed is something that doesn't take much effort, but in terms of making somebody feel cared about, it is very important.

While my friend and neighbor undergoes his tests, my Mum and I will do our weekly supermarket shopping and a few other business things. We are not really going out of our way to help our neighbor.

Being neighborly doesn't take much effort. Knowing you care about somebody is a feel-good thing. Who knows when I might need my neighbor to help me out in a crisis.

I am sure anything I do for my neighbor will be appreciated and he will respond "in kind". I just hope his test turn out to be nothing toxic.

Sources:

Personal experience