An unexpected return for just being a neighbor (Page 1/3)
maryjane DEC 20, 03:08 PM
A few years ago, the 41 acres across the highway sold and I had noticed on one of the parcel surveys, who the new owner was. Another out-of-town 'non-resident' owner. Not unusual, since in the 50+ years I've been associated with the property I now live on, there has never been a local owner of that property.
Anyway, a couple years went by, I saw a construction crew cutting a rough road back into the porperty and I think in 2016, I found out the owner's phone number in Sugarland Tx and gave him a call, just to 'welcome him to the neighborhood'. I knew from the name on the survey, that he was probably of MidEast descent but that really doesn't matter to me. It actually has 2 owners, brother-in-laws. One with last name Mohamed. I did invite them to stop by and visit next time they were in the area and a few days later, they called and asked if they could come by and visit with me a bit and ask some questions about the area, especially the flood history of the place. Very nice older gentlemen, the b-i-l as well tho a bit younger and at my kitchen table, I showed them the historical pictures of the annual floods and of course, the Harvey flood. They were very interested in my own home's construction that kept it high and dry and we spent about an hour and 1/2 talking. I've met with the older of the 2 several more times here and on his property, explaining he needed to put up lots of no trespassing signs, paint trees along the highway purple (means 'private property/no trespassing') and gave him the names of local contractors that I thought would do him a good job on a little elevated cabin he wanted to have built. I told him I would keep an eye on the property and keep hunters out of it, since many people here think that is part of the National Forest. Nothing special, just how most people would interact with a new 'neighbor'.

Yesterday, a package arrived here UPS, which is unusual, and it really means a lot to me, because of what I feel toward my home state. It might not seem like much, but to me, it's very special; the state, and the package.
There is still good in this world, and it comes from all over.
Yes, it's commercial, but a very nice wooden box and I know from past experience, it wasn't inexpensive, totally unexpected and I really didn't do much to deserve it.




[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 12-20-2020).]

sourmash DEC 20, 03:29 PM
I used to have some Iranian friends, and knew some Arabs too. Most were good experiences. Personable people. All of them are actual and legitimate Semites.
Patrick DEC 20, 04:19 PM

quote
Originally posted by maryjane:

There is still good in this world, and it comes from all over.



On occasions after spending too much time in O/T, I sometimes wonder... but yes, my experience is that most people are nice/decent enough if treated with respect.

Thanks Don, for sharing a positive story about a fellow human being.
Hudini DEC 20, 09:07 PM
And thank you for the picture. I just ordered one to be sent home while I am still stuck here in Shanghai.
maryjane DEC 20, 10:09 PM

quote
Originally posted by Hudini:

And thank you for the picture. I just ordered one to be sent home while I am still stuck here in Shanghai.



I've heard the term my whole life but you are the 1st person I ever knew that actually got 'shanghai'd. and IN Shanghai to boot.
Sage DEC 21, 11:15 AM
Thanks for sharing some positive experience....seems to be the "exception" these days!

Very well summed up note from your new neighbor, and a very nice, and I'm sure appreciated gesture on his part.

A great example of the REAL "Golden Rule" in practical application...on BOTH parties part!

Merry Christmas ya'll!

HAGO!
FriendGregory DEC 25, 12:29 AM
You seem to be a great neighbor, that was very nice of them.

I have been surprised by many token Christmas gifts and cards from the neighbors. I am in the yard with my nearly 100 trees, sharing fruit and stories most free daylight hours.
Raydar DEC 25, 12:02 PM
Very cool.
You're a good man for sharing. Sharing the time with your neighbors, and the story with us.
2.5 DEC 25, 08:32 PM
cliffw DEC 29, 12:13 AM

quote
Originally posted by maryjane:
A few years ago, ...



That's a heart warming story Don. No doubt true, and no doubt you deserve it.

I have a story of my own. True but I don't think I deserved it.

I decided to stop by the grocery store and pick up a twelve pack of beer. I was wearing my covid diaper, in the express lane (15 items or less). People were there with 20 or so items, whatever. Social (together) distancing (apart), people were standing, waiting, in the main aisle by the cash registers, which everybody knows is the route to the next product isle.

I politely stepped back or aside to allow other shoppers to navigate their mission. Not because "I Was Scared". I even allowed some more elderly persons to get ahead of me. This guy got behind me. I was not surprised, somebody would.

I got to the automatic conveyor check out lane, and made room for his items ... with that
item separator which stops the conveyor.

He had two big boxes of Pampers and one small box (?). Other stuff, but I did not notice what. A young guy. He told the cashier that he would pay for my beer. I told him that I can pay for it. He said "No".