Day 8- Bedtime walk=New neighbor friends!

[Sarah4265]

My first random gift of the day was giving one of my delicious, $2 market English muffins to my brother in law/housemate.  He enjoyed it immensely and I was happy to share! 

My second gift was simply going for a bedtime walk with the kids and dog.  But, as this challenge has proven again and again, one gift generally leads to another, as well as the opportunity to receive gifts! 

About halfway through our walk we saw a dog tied up on the side of her house.  Her owner was carrying in groceries and Eleanor, my 2 year old says, "can I touch her?" And so the guy put down his groceries and brought the boisterous puppy out to see my kids.  A good time was had by all! 

Nearing the end of our walk I passed a neighbor sweeping off his porch.  He has beautiful planters in his front yard with cannas and elephant ears.  I always admire them when we walk by and finally got the chance to tell him!  We started chatting about his garden and my kids(in true form) began chatting his ear off, and encroaching on his personal space.  He didn't seem to mind, and in fact offered them a popsicle!  At this point his wife came outside and we all sat on the porch chatting about the neighborhood and the kids.  After two popsicles each and playing on the scooters the kids found on the porch I decided we should go before we wore out our welcome.  So I thanked them profusely and asked the woman what her name was.  She replied, "Eleanor."  So I excitedly told her that was my daughter's name as well and she and her husband shared in the amazement. 

Again, how amazing that one gift leads to another.  My simple thought of taking my kids and dog for an evening walk ended with popsicles for the kids, a smile on everyone's face and new friends for us all! 

[Aunty Nean]

Thank you for sharing this happy post!

[Susie]

 

Your experience made me smile, because I have been enjoying similar walks in my "re-vamped" neighborhood. I live in the "tornado zone", where many people have rebuilt, repaired, and moved back to. Almost every evening my dog and I go for a walk and wonder who is going to be our new friend for the evening. Amazing miracle stories have been shared, and there is a sense of comraderie like we are pioneers here. One of the blessings that would not have happened otherwise, and of which there have been many. That proverbial silver lining in the clouds is always there if we open our hearts.

[Deb~ Community Manager]

Can't get any better than that! :o)