It takes a village…or a neighborhood.
Recently, a neighbor in the Cottage District passed away. He was found dead outside laying on the ground on Sunday, December 18th in sub zero temperatures. The cause of death was exposure. He was a friendly gentleman always saying Hello and engaging in conversation. He was quirky. Our neighbors on St. James liked him. He was part of our neighborhood. We looked out for him and always helped him with little things that made a difference in his life. He had his “demons” that sometimes affected his life . Unfortunately, he never asked for help when those “demons” came calling.
I share this story because so many people are silent about asking for help. Fear is what gets in the way. Fear of over-stepping a friendship or of appearing too needy. Or simply, a fear of revealing our struggle. But when you don’t ask for help when you need it, you assume all of a burden.
Neighborhoods are social communities with considerable face-to-face interaction among its members. We all share a common bond and are unified in our belief of creating a better place in this world. Most, if not all of us, care enough about our neighbors that we’d at least listen to someone who needs our help.
We can all do so much more together than we ever can alone.
As the New Year sets upon us, think of all the resolutions you’ve made or are going to make and add a resolution to be a good neighbor. Ask for help when you need to. Just as importantly, offer to help when you believe someone needs it.