Who has touched my life unexpectedly?

My elderly, ailing neighbor, who is incredibly chatty (so much so that I can’t wander over there unless I have at least 30 minutes in which I don’t need to be anywhere else). My husband is out in the yard more than I am and often comes in saying, “Well, I talked with X. I mean, I listened to X.”

Her 3 daughters take turns visiting and doing things for her but I imagine she’s still lonely. They brought plants to put into her garden and ended up with extras. My husband came into the house recently saying, “I have plants from X.” She gave us heirloom tomatoes, peppers, a couple of squash. I don’t yet have my raised beds in but could put the tomatoes into pots, and I’m going to ask a friend who lives nearby if she can plant the squash.

When I’m eating caprese salad later this summer it will be thanks to her. I need to make a point of wandering over more often. (She isn’t vaccinated–too many conditions to get it done–so I’m a little reluctant to sit next to her; I’m vaxxed too but would hate to carry something to her.)

One of the delightful things about moving into this neighborhood 18 months ago was that people came over in the first couple of days to introduce themselves. We chat when we’re out in the street. I’m more connected than in any neighborhood I’ve ever lived in, and she’s a part of that.