Lowell Ward

Three young people were at the checkout in the grocery store. One was the new cashier, one was training him, the other was bagging. Had a great conversation.

Every week Paul and I talk with each of our Service Missionaries about their previous week, what they did and how they are doing. We ask questions, encourage, support and love them.

Every Sunday, our family is it the residence at the assisted living. The people there are really enjoy visits from the children and catching a week after week

I painted book of Mormon covers at our Stake RS Conference. The books can be donated,

I helped assembling bookshelves during our stake RS conference.

I donated books in good conditions to our stake RS to be donated to a charity in Manchester that serves disadvantaged families

Worked with 30 other women to build 9 bookcases for RS women’s conference

Washed and vacuumed 2 cars and got an oil change

Took windshield to be replaced—way overdue

Saturdays at Costco are insanely crowded. I was reaching for some milk when I noticed a mom with a loaded cart and a little child trying to maneuver over to the where the milk was. I asked her what kind she needed and how many. Picked them up and put them in her cart.

Prepared house for Labor Day—made it easier for father in law to mow so he would hit low hanging branches

Donated rolling coat racks and shoe racks for local school theatre

Able to use space better

Cleared clutter and made space usable. Cleaned all bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchen

I learned one evening that my neighbor friend (10 minutes away) was struggling with some deep anxiety due to chronic medical issues. There wasn't much for me to do for them medically but I did go over and sit with him for a while. We were able to talk about some things to get his mind off of his struggles. By the end of my visit I could see that his mood had improved noticeably and he was even joking. I am grateful that I was able to help this friend who was struggling.

I took a friend who cannot drive to the clinic to do her blood test.

I had two workers at my house to seal coat our driveway. They came at the same time that the partial solar eclipse was happening and I let them borrow my glasses. They were so happy to be able to see it! For a moment we all shared this natural wonder and it changed our relationship from business casual to friendly.

I wanted to visit a new neighbor that recently had a new baby in their family. We were able to visit for awhile and I got to see their beautiful little baby.

I was on vacation when I found out that a friend who cannot drive needed a ride to the clinic to do an urgent blood test. I was able to find another friend that could help her.

I saw on social media that my neighbors' dog had died, so I took time to let them tell me about how they were feeling and to share stories about their dog. I have always liked these neighbors but rarely have contact with them. It was a very positive interaction.

I had forgotten my keys in Texas by mistake but my friend Catherine, my ex-wife, my former stepdaughter, and the church where I rent my room helped to provide me with spare car key (Catherine), a ride from the airport to my spare key and car (ex-wife, step-daughter) and when I returned to where I rent my room (Fusion Church), they had made a backup copy of my keys. The only thing I needed to do was use my combination for my secondary lock. I made sure to express my gratitude for their help.

They were delighted!!

Some neighbors from across the busy road were walking on our street while I was weeding my flowers. I stopped to talk and catch up with them because we don’t see them very often.

I picked an extra quart of blueberries to take to our next door neighbor who is recovering from a stroke.

I stopped at Whole Foods to buy some groceries on my way home from a tennis class. While at the cashier, a woman saw me in my tennis outfit and asked me if I played tennis or pickleball. What a surprise to find out that she too was a tennis player at my same club and that we had common acquaintances at the club. It was incredible to connect with a total stranger and to feel good about it. Funny thing: I had never met her before but soon after I have seen her again in every tennis class.

While giving a friend a ride to a campout we talked about the challenges of finding work in his career field. I offered support and encouragement as well as suggested a contact for someone in his field that could provide specific guidance. My friend seemed not as discouraged and I'll follow up with the conversation with the suggested contact.

I was asked by our Relief Society president to check on a sister that doesn't attend church anymore because of her health issues. I had dreamed that night that I had gone to her house to see her. It seemed very real. That would have been unusual for me and there was already someone who helped her out. It turned out that her helper was not going to be available that day and all the members of the RS presidency were out of town so I was asked to go. It was a good experience.

Having lunch together was a way to connect more and to help others feel less lonely.

A neighbor is experiencing cancer. I got thier number and texted them. We know eachother by name, and our kids play weekly. But after all these years of living next door, I still didn't have thier number. I'm a bit embarrassed. About time.