Whew! Today I needed the neighbors. I woke up this morning with a back that was in such pain that I thought I would be sick. The pain was shooting down my legs and my back was in spasms. This doesn’t happen often, but about every four or five years it seems that my back decides to get sick. Today was that day.
As I climbed the steps this morning I had to pull myself up using the handrail. And, to be honest I wasn’t sure the feet were going to follow. The walk back down was not as trying, but I was not at all certain that my legs would not give way and I would roll to the landing. I could only picture Tim Conway doing the slow roll down the steps. I was hoping I could roll as delicately should I take the tumble.
I did manage to get the coffee made on my own. Once I sat down to drink the first cup the phone rang. It was Happy. I described the pain and told her I was sure it would be okay within an hour or two. But, that didn’t stop her. Within fifteen minutes three of the neighbors were entering through the back door.
One took care of my husband. The other attended the mother-in-law. And, the third ushered me to my room, straightened the bed, positioned a few pillows beneath my back. I was instructed to stay in the bed and to ring a bell if I needed anything.
I have to admit that I did ring the bell for Happy to hand me the computer. This day could not pass without my sharing a bit of gratitude. Today I am so thankful for neighbors who do not wait to be asked for help, but come to may aid at the mention of a need. I really do not know how I would have made it through the day had they not come over this morning. But, as Happy says, “We’re just being neighborly.”
Days like today remind me of why I love this neighborhood and make me so thankful for those friends who live next door and down the street. As grateful as I am for everyone who was willing to give up their plans to take care of my needs, I can only hope that everyone who reads this may be surrounded with this kind of love.
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