In May 2010, we purchased a house, located directly behind a trio of apartment buildings. I remember our real estate agent’s hesitation about this house, wondering whether we wanted to live behind these apartments. I thought nothing of it since this is known as a quiet neighbourhood and good area near downtown.
Through the summer, we saw a woman sunbathing behind one of the buildings. Then one day, my husband told me that she was next to our shed. It didn’t bother me. I did however, have one concern: there was a hornet’s nest in the shed and until we removed the nest, I wanted her to be aware of their presence. So we told her.
Fast forward a few months. It is now Christmas Eve. As I sat here earlier, trying to catch up on email that started to pile up, I heard the snow crunch under footsteps on our front porch. I peeked out the office window and saw someone I didn’t recognize putting something in the mailbox. Still in my pyjamas, and hole-y knitted slippers on my feet (they are too comfortable to throw away… yes even with the small holes on the bottom), and snow on the porch, I asked hubby to retrieve whatever was in the mailbox. By now, the woman was gone. I had no idea who she was until I looked at the tiny envelope. It read:
To one neighbour to another: Merry Christmas.
I smiled, yet frowned. Who is this? Inside, there was a lovely note. The cover read: Christmas is a time to give thanks.
Inside, she wrote these kind words:
Hi,
I’m the senior lady who sometimes made use of the edge or your lawn. A grassy spot to place my lawn chair to catch the rays of sunshine – rather than seated on the concrete area of the apt bldg parking lot behind your house.
Anyways, I have re-located this Dec to another apt downtown with elevator and in the process of moving, I wanted to let you know that I appreciated your kindness. Blessings this season and in the New Year.
Former neighbour behind you on Main Street. N.
Well N, I wish I had gone out there to say hello. You’re more than welcome. I had no idea who was on the steps when I peeked out the window but now I do. Perhaps you have access to the internet, and who knows, you might read this. If you do, I say best wishes to you and yours this Christmas Season, and I pray that you find another comfortable spot to sunbathe next summer. And may you also find the kindness you’ve just shown in this lovely note.
To everyone who’s reading this: May your Christmas be a blessed one, and may 2012 be filled with God’s many wonders. May you also experience the kindness of a stranger or a neighbour. Just remember to pay it forward.
Very sweet and even if she doesn’t get to read this many neighbours will and some of who will pass this on to their neighbour next year.
thanks Sarah. It would be nice if this has a “pay it forward” domino effect among other neighbours.
What a lovely post, Renee-Ann. And a lovely message to pay it forward.
Thanks Norah. I was so touched with this small note, I had to share it with others.