Neighborly Gestures

At work on Friday, I got a call from one of our neighbors. It freaked me out because why on earth was she calling?!?

She told me that a week or two ago, Mike and Michaela came by because Michaela wanted to have a parade. She got all dressed up in an outlandish costume and they marched up and down the street with Rey. They noticed that our neighbor was home, so stopped by to show off the parade. Our neighbor was sick, but came to the window and, as she related, was cheered and touched by the parade.

“I felt so bad and I wasn’t going to see who was there, but I’m so glad I did! Michaela looked so cute doing her parade and she told me she hoped I felt better. She was so sweet! And I love parades! It was just so nice of her.”

Apparently Michaela’s gesture made such an impression that our neighbor made cookies for Michaela in honor of Valentine’s Day (and was calling to see if we were home so she could drop them off).

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Mike, Michaela and I went to dinner tonight at California Pizza Kitchen (CPK). It’s not on our usual rotation of restaurants, but we had a gift card and who doesn’t like pizza?

We ended up being seated next to a couple that looked to be about our age and had a newborn baby. A tiny, beautiful, sleepy little girl. We didn’t really interact with them at all, except to sneak glances at the cute little one.

Imagine our surprise, then, when they told us that they weren’t going to eat the dessert that came with the meal deal (Valentine’s combo– appetizer, two entrees and dessert for $30) and that they wanted to give it to Michaela. It was so sweet!

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My point? Never underestimate the power of kindness, and of youth.