Had an awesome neighbor for 20+ years. Yard tip top shape, flag on his pole lit well. Cool classic cars to ogle over as I drove past. Always a friendly wave if driving past, and a warm hello if walking. Didn't know him further than that, our conversations never went past "nice weather" or other simple pleasantries.

He passed about 18 months ago. I knew he was veteran/POW, not even sure what war. Given the joy he had in keeping a nice yard, his cars, and his flag, I was truly saddened to see the shape it had fallen into. His daughter moved in after his death, and the flag was going downhill. It had weathered plenty, the developed frays at the ends. Finally the loose bits tied themselves to the pole and it resembled a sail.

It saddened me to see that flag on the front yard of a man with such pride in his yard and country. I decided that I was going to replace it. Called my Mom (bought the house from her) asked her if she thought it would be rude for me to present them with a new flag in her father's honor. She said go for it, I knew she knew the daughter. So I brought them a brand new made in USA replacement.

I knocked on the door and told her that I knew her father, not well, but well enough to know he'd be upset to look down and see anything other than a pristine flag flying. She thanked me, I was still unsure if I offended her or not. She told me she knew it needed to be changed, but she hadn't gotten to it.

Went to the grocery store, came back, it was already sitting there vibrant as ever flapping in a perfect breeze. Brought a huge smile to my face, and hopefully Jim's looking down.

A hour or so later I got a text from my. Apparently she either recognized my car or drove down the street and saw it. She texted my mom and told her how happy she was to receive it and she knew it needed replacing, but had let it go because it reminded her of her father. I didn't know they knew each other well enough to have each others phone number.

Made me smile that I got to make someone smile. I don't celebrate Christmas, but I always try and do something nice for my fellow man around this time. Usually small things, but just help where ever I can.

Anyways moral of the story, be kind to your fellow man, especially this time of year, you might get rewarded for it.

RIP Jim, thanks for being an awesome neighbor.

Jesse, I really like what you did and that you made us aware. It's interesting to me how far small good will gestures go to make our environment brighter. Sometimes just and smile or an open door, pick up something dropped or accommodate another driver can make another's day. Yours is a great example and thanks for honoring the memory of your veteran neighbor.

Well done sir!

Well done, well done indeed.

^^^

Yep.

Good on you!

Such a GREAT deed. During the Holidays people forget those things that truly matter. Caring about others comes to mind. I know in my heart that Skins would do it any day of the week and twice on Sunday. Good on you Skins, thank you. John

Good on you Jesse!

Cheers!

Very nice. I'm sure Jim would have appreciated it.

A good and honorable deed, on multiple levels. Well done.

Bravo Zulu! Well done Jesse!

Nicely done, Spark.

A simple gesture of kindness goes a very long way. Kudos, sir.

Excellent. Reading this made my morning.

That was a good deed that you did.

Bravo Zulu Sir.

In deed it was, well done and thank you.

quote:

Originally posted by whododat:
Excellent. Reading this made my morning.

It sure brightened my morning! Nice going, Skins.

Excellent! Thank you Jesse.