Hello, mi neighbour! Missed me last week when you came looking? I know that you missed your opportunity to give a helping hand to a neighbour or two through this column but I promise, we'll make up for that this week.
A neighbour and her husband were sharing a refreshing experience with me the other day - which reminds me that we have some real kind-hearted neighbours in every stratum of our society.
They said that on reaching the traffic light last Friday, a windshield-wiper fellow came to her vehicle and was denied the opportunity on the basis of their inability to pay for the wipe. The kind wiper offered to wipe the glass free of cost and then offered them a $50 note. When they refused the offer with a smile, the wiper insisted, with a smile, that they should take it because "mi know that sometimes yuh don't have any money". Wasn't that neighbourly?
And it gets better: I'd like to congratulate those two motorists and onlookers at the scene of that accident along the Half-Way Tree Road, Wednesday, April 22. Clearly, the motorist whose right was infringed was very upset. However, the vigilant neighbours who were standing by realised the damage his anger could have caused and worked assiduously at quelling his temper.
Pause for prayer
One of the neighbours present went further by asking everyone to pause for prayer. All cooperated and by the end of the day something remarkable happened.
Both motorists were talking with each other as though nothing had happened. This action by these neighbours truly gives meaning to the term, 'brother's keeper'.
I hope that the scenarios will inspire us today to think a little less of self and more of our neighbours.
Until next week, remember not to allow your neighbour to buckle under the pressures of life. Reach out with a helping hand. The hand you touch may be the one to reach out for you tomorrow. Love your neighbour as yourself and you will always have good neighbours.
Silton Townsend, writer of the weekly Hello Mi Neighbour article, is best known for his portrayal of Maas Gussie in the local comedy, 'Lime Tree Lane'.
1. Romario, St Andrew, who is connecting with a student in Montego Bay who needs an 'English for Life Book 4'.
2. Ten-year-old Chevoy, Clarendon, who convinced her mother to purchase a literacy book to help the same student in Montego Bay.
3. Pamela and Debbie, St Andrew, who have donated both adult and children clothing.
4. Ms Callaghan, London, England, for her financial contribution to a needy neighbour.
5. Ms Lawrence, Manchester, for donating an accounting textbook to a neighbour in need.
6. Ms Nairne, St Mary, for offering living accommodation to a person.
7. Sharon, Portland, for offering a queen-size bed to two sisters.
8. Alando from Families for Christ in Mandeville for donating ladies' clothing.
9. Maria of Growing & Giving, St Andrew, who has donated various items for infants and toddlers to those parents or caregivers in need.
10. Mrs Findlayson, St Catherine, for reaching out to her neighbour with new clothing, toys and supplies for her infant.
To help, please call 906-3167, 884-3866 or 373-7745 or send email to neighbourtoo@ yahoo.com and we will make the link-up. Those who desire to make financial donations to this project may make deposits to Acct # 351 044 276 at the National Commercial Bank. Bank routing #: JNCBJMKX.
1. Single mother has three children; currently unemployed, but is asking her neighbours to assist with a crib and formula for her baby
2. Woman, St Catherine, turned out by her children's father, now staying with a friend but needs building materials such as plyboard and zinc to construct a home for herself and her four children.
3. Barbara, St James, single mother, asking neighbours to assist with the provision of food and clothing.
4. Neighbour, St Elizabeth, mother of five girls. Needs clothing and shoes for them. They are between ages four to 20.
5. Sis B, St Catherine, widow, needs to earn an income to sustain herself; she is asking neighbours to assist with the acquisition of chicks and feed to start her own chicken business.
6. Neville, St James, needs help to construct a home for his 87-year-old mother who is uncomfortable in her existing state. Asking persons for plyboard or zinc. He is not financially able to help her.
7. St Catherine, 15-year-old high-school student, whose mother is not working, is trying to earn an income to send himself to school. Would like a weed whacker or a bush cutter to cut yards in the mornings before going to school. Asking neighbours to donate a used machine or to assist in whatever way they can.
8. Ms Webster, Westmoreland, a pensioner and a diabetic who has lost both legs due to the disease. She is asking any kind neighbour for a second-hand mobile wheelchair to assist with her mobility.
9. Karen, St Catherine, single mother, who was burnt out. She's now trying to put her life together. She's asking neighbours to assist with clothing and shoes for her eight-year-old son.
10. Agatha, Kingston, 66-year-old, is in need of a mattress as she is unable to purchase one. She's asking neighbours to assist.