I am thankful that I live on a street where neighbors look out for one another. I was having a pleasant day at home cleaning up the house since it was the only day this week I’ve been able to do so. I was just about to start sewing a button that fell off of one of my husband’s shirts when there was a knock on the door. It was my neighbor and her daughter. My neighbor said, “Jess, someone just hit your car and drove away.” It didn’t register what she was telling me at first so I just said, “You’re kidding, right?” I walked out the door expecting the worst. I was expecting my brand new Fusion with a giant dent on the side of it, paint scratched off and a lot of damage.
I was honestly relieved when I saw a small dent and paint scratch from the truck that hit me. I actually didn’t see the dent at first, just the paint scratch! I was also extremely thankful that my neighbor’s daughter was coming down the street in time to see it happen and get the man’s license number. I invited her into the house and we called the police. We waited outside and I got the story from her. The officer arrived and we told her what happened. I was issued a claim number with the driver’s license number. I’ll get the report in about a week and then file an insurance claim.
I can’t help but think that things happen for a reason. I’ve been living on this block for almost three years, but only talked to a few neighbors – and usually it’s only really “hi” and “bye.” But after this happened, I found myself outside talking for over an hour with a bunch of my neighbors I rarely get to talk to. They were all concerned, asking if I was okay. It was nice. I got to learn about my neighbors, things that happened on the block and most importantly, that we’re there for one another. I felt a real sense of community. It was one thing being the girlfriend that lived with the guy everyone on the block knew. Now I’m his wife and a permanent part of this street.
It was nice to truly get to know my neighbors today. It’s nice to know there are people looking out for my best interest. I plan on getting my neighbor a small gift card as a thank you for being there for me. We may not have talked much in the past, but I think we’ll be talking a lot more from now on.
No Comments