Life can be really tough these days, and it’s so important to ask for help when we need it. That’s exactly what I decided to do recently.
I had to leave for a trip and needed someone to take care of my three dogs, Smokey, Oreo, and Jennifer. Finding care for one dog is hard enough, but three? That’s a whole different story!
To my surprise, my retired neighbor, Robert, agreed to help me out in my time of need.
When I returned from my trip, I found an envelope slipped under my door. Inside was a letter so incredible, I just had to share it on Reddit.
The letter started with a warm greeting: “Good afternoon. This letter is about your vacation two weeks ago and how you let me babysit Smokey, Oreo, and Jennifer. I just wanted to write you a letter of gratitude.”
Then Robert opened up about his life. “You are aware of my advanced age. I’m not as visible outside as I once was since these places aren’t as bustling as they once were.
In addition, my dad was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer two years ago, right in the middle of the pandemic. I was left living alone in my house after his passing. I don’t have a spouse or children. One day, I might go to sleep and never wake up.
I just sit around wondering what I have accomplished for this world every day.
“That is, until I met Jennifer, Oreo, and Smokey.
“Your furry friends are the prettiest, funniest, and most annoying people I’ve ever met (don’t worry, they didn’t trash my house too much!). They inspired me to start my life over again. I began waking early every morning.
For the first time in years, I started going for walks outside with your pets. Every ten minutes, they would chuckle at my temporary sadness by rubbing on my leg or barking.
“I took them to the park, and that was the highlight of their visit. I hadn’t spent so much time outside in a long time. Not only did it help me reconnect with my pets, but I also made friends with a few other folks and met new ones.
Being able to communicate with others, talk to friends, and feel like a member of the human race again made me very happy.
“I know that right now I seem really existential, but I’m being honest. Knowing that I’m helping someone, even if it’s only my neighbor, makes me happy.
“Soon after, I adopted two dogs. (Pardon them; you might have heard noise coming from my house.) I now regularly stroll with them to the park and chat with new acquaintances I’ve made there. In any case, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate it. You gave my life purpose once more. And that is all that is important.
“Regards,
Robert (P.S. I believe the lawn needs to be mowed; funny!)”
Reading Robert’s letter brought tears to my eyes! I was so moved, I had to share it online for everyone to see.
If you enjoyed reading this story, you should check out the article about a husband’s unexpected note to his wife, which is below.
