About 8 years ago, while I was mowing a lawn, an older fellow motioned me over and asked if I could help him out with mowing his lawn. Apparently, his previous guy damaged his downspouts and, being uninsured, disappeared. I took the job and have been mowing him weekly (except in winter, of course) ever since. He's been a kind and generous man. I moved him to a less busy day because I'd check in on him and chat because I'm not sure anyone else spent time with him. He said he had family but I never saw anyone there, he was always alone in his house. He always seemed very pleased to see me. Sure, he'd tell me the same tales every time and reminisce about people I didn't know but I listened and hung out for a few extra minutes. Last week I asked how he was feeling and he said "not good". That was out of character and I should have been more concerned.

This week I shifted the schedule to make room for fertilizing on Monday and Tuesday so I was two days later than my normal visit and today when I got there his garage door was uncharacteristically closed. The neighbor stopped me and told me they found my friend dead yesterday. I'd have seen him one last time had I kept on schedule. If I'd have been one day late instead of two, I may have been the one to find him. I hope he didn't die alone or frightened.

I'm kinda sad about rescheduling.

Don’t be sad, you spent time with this gentleman and took the time to listen. I am sure the time you spent with him was appreciated more than you can image.

I am sorry you have lost your friend.

Sad story - unfortunate he did not have any family that cared. (or he didn't care for them)

Don't feel bad - you took steps to provide good service and talk with him.

We have some elderly folks that live alone here in my town that my wife cooks for and checks in on 2-3x week - their children can't be bothered. One of these men is 91 and has beat Covid 2x. The last time he had it I remember him saying "bring it on". Fiesty old man with a lot of spirit.

Sorry to hear about your friend, Mark

Sad situation. But you did right by him.

You did more for him than anyone else for that you can stand tall! In the end God makes the final call and most likely for good reason.

After being in the Plumbing & Heating business for 52 years you would not believe how many of my customers have passed, it's hard for me to believe! I know life moves on, but this brings it close to the heart!!

My condolences

Good on you for brightening this mans day when you would visit, I'm sure it meant a lot to him

Bless you, Mark. You did well and are a good man.

Feel good in your heart that you shared your time with him and know that he enjoyed chatting with you. Sorry for the loss.

Sorry to hear, Mark. You're a good person for being there when he needed someone.

You did good! He needed someone who cared, and you were it. I'm sorry he has passed, but you have no reason to feel bad about yourself.

flashguy

You shared with him the most valuable thing he could hope for: Your time.

don't feel bad

you did great - a lot more than most other people

We can never know what will happen. But we sure feel guilt easily even if not deserved. Mark, you're a great guy. You made his life better and happier.

I know how you feel Mark. I seem to always become friends with folks quite older. Two have passed many years back and I still see and hear them. Recollection. Now I spend a couple days per week with a friend of 81 years age who I admire greatly. Oh hes a PITA sometimes so I try to be one too... . I dont know how I will ever cope if something happens to my old friend. You've done good by your fellow man so take that to heart. Its all we can do.

Sorry to hear, Mark.

I've had a couple of incidents similar to yours. Out of the blue, I thought of visiting my dad in the nursing home but I had just finished washing and waxing the car on a Saturday and I was tired. He died Saturday night.

On the commute home, I thought of an ex-co-worker from a while back. I periodically phoned him over the years. I didn't. He took his own life during the weekend.

I had to stop playing woulda coulda shoulda with myself. Hindsight is 20/20..

All things happen according to God’s will, Mark. You may never know why, but I’m sure there was a reason.

I’m sorry for the loss of your friend, and the guilt that you feel. I’ll say a prayer for him.

I'm glad he had someone to talk to, that means the world to some people. If you haven’t already, mow his yard for the last time as a good memory, if needed email me and I'll pay for it.