Good Neighbors
This morning as I tied my gym shoes, stepped out my front door, and began my morning jogging routine, I decided to go little farther than usual. I cut over toward Settler's Walk and Dorothy Lane Market. The weather was perfect--not too cold to tighten your lungs, but not too hot to send you running back into the air conditioning. Several others shared my thoughts: one girl walked with her Dalmatian; an elderly couple strolled down the sidewalk holding a cheerful conversation; and a fit man was just completing his morning workout.
As I turned down Yankee to start my trek back home, I decided to take a detour into Brookside. I noticed a moving truck in the driveway of one of the homes, and watched as the family was filling it with boxes upon boxes. Still a little far off, I saw his next door neighbor come out, coffee in hand to retrieve the morning paper. After a short exchange, he agreed to change his clothes and help his neighbor finish packing his boxes into the truck. The man seemed overcome with relief.
I continued on my way back home, now with a smile on my face. Though it was a small gesture to simply carry some boxes, its impact went deeper. We all know how a little act of kindness can go a long way, and the quality of neighbors really can make all the difference in a community.
by Brandi Hoffer and Julie Beall