by José Luis Mendoza
This morning, I headed out to work bright and early. Right in front of my house, there was a neighbor sweeping the street. I greeted her kindly, as I always do when we meet. She smiled back and without stopping her sweeping, she said, "Hi, good morning." It took me a moment to realize that she was sweeping a piece of the street and sidewalk that wasn't hers; it was mine. She lives next to me. What? She cleaning up the street and sidewalk of other people. I was deeply struck by her action. The street is always clean, even when its owners are only occasionally in residence.
My brain started to analyze that action. How important it is to be a responsible, caring, and helpful neighbor. More than important, I believe it's vital to be a good human being and a good neighbor. Community is more than just living in a house within a community. It's a commitment to principles of solidarity, empathy, and genuine concern for others.
Throughout my life, I've learned that this commitment is a key piece in building a healthy and harmonious society. Many times, I've witnessed how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in people's lives. A simple "Good morning" or a friendly greeting can brighten someone's day and create a warm human connection.
Some time ago, I had the good fortune of meeting a neighbor an elderly woman who lives alone. To protect her privacy I'll call her Doña Rosa. At first, our interactions cordial, but brief. Over time, we got to know each other better.
One day, at the store, I noticed that Doña Rosa was having difficulty with doing her shopping and other simple everyday tasks due to her health and age. When I offered to help she smiled at me with a tear trembling in her eye. Since then, we've become good friends and close companions. She tells me about her life, her loneliness, her hopes, her pains, and her anxieties. I feel grateful for the opportunity to be able to help her, and in turn, I've learned a lot from her. Her wisdom and love for the community have inspired me to be a better human being and more aware.
Being a good neighbor isn't just about lending a hand in times of need. It's about being present and supporting each other in the little things of everyday life. From taking care of a neighbor's pets while they're on vacation or sick, to sharing a plate of food with those going through economic difficulties, each act of kindness contributes to strengthening the social structure of the community.
Moreover, being a good neighbor involves showing respect for the diversity and individuality of each person. We all have our differences and ways of seeing life, and that diversity is what enriches our community. By understanding and valuing each other's perspectives, we build an environment of tolerance and harmony where everyone can coexist peacefully.
In conclusion, I believe that being a good neighbor and a good human being is a key piece in building a healthy and prosperous society. My experience with Doña Rosa taught me that small gestures of kindness and genuine concern for others can have a significant impact on someone's life and on the community as a whole. By adopting a sensitive perspective and committing to community principles, we can create an environment of solidarity and mutual respect that benefits us all. As individuals, we have the power to contribute to transforming our society into a kinder, more inclusive, healthy, and compassionate place for everyone.
