Several years ago I was undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. On my off-chemo weeks I would go out an walk around my neighborhood, as I usually do, albeit much more slowly, not as far, and with a cap on to protect my chemo-bald head from the sun.One afternoon I was walking past a house several doors down from mine; the family who lived there were people with whom I had a "Hi, how ya doing?" kind of acquaintance, but we never really introduced ourselves to each other. This day the man was out working in his yard and as I walked by, he came out to the street and stopped me, saying "I want you to know that my wife and I understand that you are going through some kind of illness and that we are praying for you." Then he continued, "And my wife has a little something she'd like to give to you."
I was so touched, and tears came to my eyes. I thanked him for his kind words and then introduced myself. His name is Melvin and his wife was Michelle. A few days later, they stopped by my house and gave me a little basket of inspirational quotes & books along with some teas. Again I thanked them for their kindness. Melvin then said that if there was anything they could do to help me, please let them know. I timidly said, "Well, I could use someone to cut the back of my yard. It's gotten quite overgrown and I'm not able to get out and do anything with it right now." He said that he would be happy to do so.
It was a Friday and they were headed out of town, but as soon as they got back, he came down with his riding mower and cut not only the back part, but the whole yard as well as the front, and did the edging too! One of his neighbors also came along to help! When I went out to thank him, he said that whenever he cut his own yard, he would be sure to come down and cut mine too.
True to his word, he did so every 2-3 weeks until I was done with the chemo and had gotten back enough strength and stamina to start doing it myself again. What a gift they were during this difficult time in my life, and how grateful I am for their constant kindness.
13.6K Reads
- Posted by heartsight
- Jul 14, 2017
- Comments (9)
Readers Comments
Genevieve Balance Kupang wrote: Such a gentleman and loving wife. May your tribe increase.
Virginia Reeves wrote: When we reach out to others there is no way of knowing how that will come back. I hope that someday you will be able to return a kindness to them or someone else (pay it forward). May your recovery stay strong.
pyronik wrote: how thoughtful of him, thank you for making the effort to stop and talk to him.
DANCE wrote: wow, wonderful
splain wrote: Oh what lovely neighbors. beautiful people
Mish wrote: Such kindness exists in our world. The Universe put you on one another's path to bring you the help you needed. How beautiful. Blessed be.
kjoyw wrote: What a beautiful, caring story full of loving kindness. So comforting to know that there are eople like this and kind people like you, too! Hope you are feeling much better!
leoladyc728 wrote: what lovely people. so glad they were there for you
mindyjourney wrote: Amazing how truly kind this world is :))). So glad you received such help when needed and glad you are better â¤ï¸.
