Generosity and goodwill are not out of style


  • Palm Coast Observer
  • Opinion
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After writing about my neighbor, Ernie, last week, I asked for stories of neighbors helping neighbors on Facebook, and I’ve adapted some of my favorites below. Thanks to everyone for sharing. Palm Coast is a great place to live, and that’s because there are so many generous people. Goodwill is not out of style, after all.

‪Gladys Roberts‪
It's great you have a neighbor like Ernie! Sad it's not too common anymore to have neighbors like that anymore. Growing up, our neighbors were like family: Everyone watched out for all the kids, help with home or car repairs, cook for the sick. Nowadays, I guess some neighbors are afraid if they try to help their fellow neighbor they may get sued.‬

‪Kimberly Cook‪
The world does need more Ernies! I miss the times when neighbors knew and helped each other. Hoping enough people see the value in this and follow Ernie's example.‬

‪Danielle L. O'Keefe‪
My husband and I were discussing this the other day. Maybe a person is sick or injured, can't walk. Maybe they can't afford gas for their lawn mower — any number of reasons. As neighbors, knock on their door and ask if they need help.

This town has a tattle-tail feeling to me. I see online how people are so catty. I've lived here since March. I am thankful that my neighborhood is full of nice people. Also, thankful I don't live near some of these catty, neighbor-behind-the-curtains tattle tails.‬

‪Tracy Callahan‪
I used to live across the street from Ernie. Just after he moved in, my husband and I were at work, and our daughter called to say, "Some stranger is mowing our lawn." That was the beginning of a very close friendship‬. ‪
We have moved to a different neighborhood, but, to this day, we have Ernie over for dining usually once a week, and he still helps us out all the time, from giving our children rides home from school to babysitting our rabbit when we are out of town.

Once, we were packing for a camping trip to the Keys. I have a crossover vehicle, and he sat in his driveway watching us try to cram in the tents, pillows, grill, snorkeling gear and all the other necessities of camping. Then he came over with the keys to his pickup truck and said, "You’re taking this to the Keys."

It took me a while to be convinced, but we finally graciously accepted his offer. The world definitely needs more Ernies! I couldn't imagine my family’s life with out him!‬

 

 

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