A neighbor in need and I had no idea.
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (63452)
September 26, 2026 10:56pm CST
Disclaimer here--I am no goody two-shoes, I am merely posting this to say, maybe we can all help someone in some small way.
We take so much for granted at times. At least, I think I do.
So many are truly struggling right now. Sometimes I think I get too wrapped up in my own struggles and caring for my son and I don't pay the attention to those around me like I should. In my short in and out trips outside to see about my little garden, or water the plants if I need to, I got to know my new-ish neighbor, Christy. Her husband died and she moved here. She has children, they don't live very close to us. Christy is in a wheelchair/power chair and has had several leg surgeries. It's hard for her to get around, she moved here to be in a one level home that she could get around in easily. She lives on her social security, of course. Like many, her medical costs are not all covered any more. I know how that is...not easy by any means.
I have taken her baking, etc. occasionally when I make something and we have a bit extra. She is always so thrilled to get it. We sometimes visit in my porch chairs, not often but we enjoy the time. I knew she was struggling, but I guess I sort of brushed it off--who isn't? I should NOT have done that.
Once a week I go to our local community center. It's open to anyone and run by our county. They offer social services, etc. to all, and they also have a big inside area that the call the sharing area. In the summer and fall, many people bring their extra garden vegetables, extra fruits, etc. and they are free for the taking. (I have to admit I truly go for the fresh vegetables!) There is also bread--lots of bread. Every kind from homemade to store bought, white, sourdough, wheat, rye, artisan...all of it, you never know. You can take more than one loaf if you need it. I generally help myself to one loaf, unless I don't think I can get there again soon--then I take an extra and freeze it. I was there last week and asked if I could take some for my neighbor. The lady in charge said of course, and she even fixed me up a ''welcome box'' of items for Christy--the bread, some coffee, tea, and hot chocolate packets, cookies, and a sort of welcome packet with some coupons, etc. Kind of reminded me of the old time ''Welcome Wagon Lady'' who used to greet newcomers to various towns. Of course I took it to Christy.
Here's where it hit me...she cried. She hadn't had any bread in days. She had some food but not much. I went home and scrambled together some stuff for her that I could share. She was so happy to have it. The community center lady also helped her find a food pantry that will deliver some food to her. She cried some more.
But here's my point...I didn't wake up and notice a need. Granted, I don't have a lot, however I should have been more aware. Just a few helpful little things made all the difference for her. And now she has food delivered that will happen for her twice a month, so she will have something to eat.
This didn't take much time and sure didn't cost me much...but it truly meant the world to her. Many older people are never going to admit they have a need like food, they just tighten the belt some more. Even if we don't have anything to share (happens to most of us at times) you can lend an ear and share a smile.
Such a small thing, and it meant so much.
15 people like this
15 responses
@LadyDuck (509500)
• Italy
15h
Poor woman, I can imagine how grateful she was when you brought her some food. I wonder how it is possible that in our days there are people who have nothing to eat, when too many throw still perfectly safe food to eat every day.
Small gestures mean a lot for many.
3 people like this
@LadyDuck (509500)
• Italy
13h
@MarieCoyle - I am so glad that the lady at the community center can help her now.
Wasting food is not right, not at all.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (63452)
•
14h
I wish I could have helped her with more. But I was glad that the lady worker at the community center offered to have her food delivered. She said they do that for people in need with no transportation or those who cannot physically carry their food. For her, that’s definitely a godsend.
I agree, it’s just not right to be wasteful when so many are going without food or skipping meals.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (63452)
•
2h
Still kicking myself that I didn’t notice sooner she was in such need. The signs were all there and I didn’t see them. I’m just glad I discovered that there is a source for her to get food delivered, this will help her so much. Thank you!
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (52159)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
8h
My neighbours are always happy when I share my tomatoes or beans. Cucumbers and lettuce didn't do well this year.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (63452)
•
3h
I normally have enough garden produce to share in the summer. But this year most people with gardens were not very successful in raising much. Between the intermittent flooding rains and the boiling temperatures the plants truly suffered. That’s so nice that you share your fresh vegetables, I’m sure it’s appreciated.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (213437)
• United States
7h
That was a lovely and touching post Marie. Bless you for noticing Christy's needs and helping out. Also, that community program sounds really lovely and helpful as well. They should organize something like that here. Truly this is an area of the haves and have nots. I help out when I can, but could do more I know.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (63452)
•
3h
That’s a great way to put it-an area of haves and have nots. I knew about the sharing room at the center but I had no idea they would deliver food to people like Christy who aren’t mobile or that they would put together the special little basket for people who were in need. She texted today to tell me she had a favorite breakfast of coffee and toast with peanut butter and jam. The community center is a blessing for many-they often don’t have a lot, but they always help people if they can. Thank you, Snowy.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (141099)
• Marion, Ohio
8h
You thought of her is what matters. Sometimes it can be hard to know if someone needs help
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (141099)
• Marion, Ohio
52m
@MarieCoyle Don't blame yourself. You have a lot to take care of
@MarieCoyle (63452)
•
3h
I think I get wrapped up in my son’s needs and keeping things going and I just don’t observe needs like I could. It really touched me when she cried.
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (28925)
• Singapore
4h
It makes such a big difference to them as well as for us - the giver.
That is the right thing to do but we overlook consumed as we are by our own daily battles.
I lend an ear and when in need I help others mostly financially.
That goes a long way to build trust in humanity.
Touching post Marie.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (63452)
•
2h
I am glad to read you lend an ear and help others in need, you are a blessing to them.
Sometimes it works like a chain, someone helps someone else, even in a small way like I did. Then when that person is able to, he or she helps someone. We need more of that in this messed up world.
@MarieCoyle (63452)
•
17h
I know that I need to be more aware. Maybe I'm distracted, or I am in too big of a hurry. Even if I can't share at the moment, I can still be supportive and at least share a word and a smile or two. Thanks, Karen.
@MarieCoyle (63452)
•
18h
Her son travels for work and does stop by now and then but not very often. Her daughter has been married and divorced several times and seems to always be too busy to take the time to see her, which I can tell really hurts her feelings.
She did say she had no idea that the community center would help her find someone to deliver food. I’m just glad the lady at the center offered to help her like she did. I was afraid I might be overstepping a bit but Christy was so happy, I know I didn’t. She hugged me and had tears in her eyes. Um, so did I. But I’m still kicking myself for not seeing she had needs.
1 person likes this
@rebelann (118829)
• El Paso, Texas
7h
You're too hard on yourself, you couldn't have known as you have issues that quite rightly occupy your mind and time but you have a really good heart and you did something no one else in your community has done.
@RasmaSandra (101343)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
43m
Glad you were able to help her, I send her blessings and will put her in my prayers,
@MarieCoyle (63452)
•
17h
It took me too long to realize it...I get all wrapped up in our needs here and forget sometimes that I need to try to help someone else once in a while. And she was good at hiding it.
You know what she was excited about when I took her a few food items out of my pantry? Peanut butter and a jar of the pear jelly out of the many we canned. She said she loves peanut butter! Such a small thing, and she was thrilled. Her hug and her smiles were worth the small effort.
@Traceyjayne (14143)
• United Kingdom
Just now
What a lovely thing for you to do. We all have busy lives and it’s easy to get wrapped up in our own, but sometimes something happens, just like with you, that reminds us about others….then we have a choice, either continue with our busy lives , or, help others, maybe once , maybe regularly ….but , it is good when we choose to help ….
@Wrexxo (8355)
•
16h
That really got me, its wild how something so small can make such a big difference for someone. Good on you for actually noticing and doing something instead of just feeling bad about it like most of us do. Christy is lucky to have you as a neighbor honestly.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (63452)
•
14h
I still feel badly that I didn’t see the need sooner. She worked her entire life until she couldn’t. Such a kind woman. Thank you.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (81694)
• Philippines
17h
Kindness goes a long way. And you are right, we must pay attention to others but sometimes it's a bit difficult when we, ourselves are struggling.
