A few days ago I met a neighbor on 13th St who was leaving her house as I was approaching. I told her that I’ve always admired the perennial bright orange cosmos growing in the front and wish I had them. Then her husband said: “Come take some seeds!” I said I would and I went the next day to grab some for next season.
Yesterday, I chose to walk down 13th Street toward Monroe as my door-knocking route. I covered a lot of ground, though much of it was just leaving palm cards behind. However, when I got to a home near Jackson St, I climbed the steps, knocked on the door, waited and then a lovely older lady (who I do not know) opened her door.
I said: “Hi, I’m your neighbor at 13/Franklin, and….”
She was smiling brightly, cut me off mid-sentence and said, “I’m voting for you because I like your spirit.”
I thanked her and walked away in a bit of a daze at her unexpected certainty, kindness and faith – in me.
I have way more stories to share—but for today—let those two be enough. It's a reminder of what really matters: getting to know your neighbors, being a good neighbor, and being neighborly.
Win or lose, how lucky am I to live on 13th Street. (Also:13 days till election day.)
Lucky 13.
–Elise for ANC5b03
Rooted in Community