Lowell Ward

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.