An atmosphere of friendship

Since our neighbor had his leg amputated, for any need, he would turn to my husband, who often came home late because he was busy with him. Our neighbor’s son, while living nearby, was not interested in his parents because his son nursed old grudges against his dad. One day, we all agreed in my family, to celebrate the neighbor’s birthday with us and, for the occasion, to invite the son of our neighbor, and others from the neighborhood. An atmosphere of friendship has arisen, some neighbors offered to lend a hand. Some took care of the garden, others of the car overhaul, another found the time to help with the cleaning. Faced with so much generosity, even the neighbor’s son could not but collaborate. Since then we have continued to celebrate birthdays and various anniversaries at our home. Grudges began to disappear. Now children are also visiting their neighbors to listen to fairy tales and have learned to work with one another.

(F.F., Slovakia)

A change of plans

One Sunday, I was biking along a mountain path when the sight of garbage left by someone who had been picnicking made me angry. This neglect of nature, a gift from God, seemed to me intolerable and instead of continuing, I started to collect the trash. But after that, other waste appeared: plastic and glass bottles, empty bags, bread paper, potato chip wrappers… What to do? I changed my plans, and my bike tour became an ecological collection. A family walking around, seeing me at work, without saying a word, joined me to give me a hand, including the children who seemed to have a great time whenever they spotted a piece of paper or a bottle along the path. I soon made friends with them; then we came up with the idea of future waste collections in which to involve those interested in giving us a hand. And so, other Sundays, our trips have become path cleaning. This habit has continued and what a good start!

(D.H., Germany)

Forgetting the keys

I was already riding my bike when I realized that I had brought with me the house keys that we usually leave in a place in the garden. My wife was at work and so, our child would not be able to enter the house after school. I couldn’t help but bring back the keys. On the way back, I recognized a friend of mine, slumped on a bench. He was drunk and complained of a sprained foot, which was quite swollen. I picked him up and brought him to his parents, luckily living not far away. Being elderly, they were unable to accompany their son to the emergency room, so I took care of him. But first, I went home to bring back the keys. While we were waiting for our turn in the hospital, the friend, who in the meantime had regained his lucidity, told me about his wife and children who did not accept him. That day on, I decided to help this friend and his elderly parents as a commitment to serve a neighbor in need. I also contacted his family: now they seem more willing to reconcile with each other. Forgetting the keys had been providential.

(R.N., Belgium)

Compiled by Stefania Tanesini

(taken from Il Vangelo del Giorno, Città Nuova, year VII, n. 1, January-February 2021)