Saturday, February 03, 2007

We live on a street of townhouses. Most of the townhouses are occupied by older folks. They are all very friendly and nice. Great neighbors.

Right across the street from us is a couple in their 90's, Henry & Ivy. The street mailbox-center is right in front of their house and during the warmer months, they sit outside and talk to everyone as they go to pick up their mail.

A couple of weeks ago, I noticed that their truck was stuck in the snow at the end of the street and there were two men helping them get unstuck. A couple of hours later, our doorbell rang, and there was Henry. This 90-something year old man had walked across the slick street that was covered with ice and snow. He was holding out $5.00.

Hello Henry, How are you? …….Uh, what’s that for?

It’s for your husband and son, for helping get my truck unstuck this morning.

Uh, Henry, that wasn’t my husband and son. Bo is out of town and Mason has been in school all morning.

What?? That wasn’t your husband and son helping me?

No, it wasn’t

Are you sure? I could have sworn it was them.

Yes, I’m sure. It wasn’t them.

Well, OK then. ……….I wonder who it was.

Then he turned to walk away with a puzzled look on his face.

I don’t know, but please be careful crossing that street.

I cringed as I watched him cross that slick street again, but he made it home safely. Thank goodness.

This morning as Bo & I were sitting around, not doing much, the doorbell rang. I went to the door and there was Henry.

My wife wanted me to bring this present and card over to your son for delivering our paper every morning.

Your paper?

Yes, isn’t your son the one who delivers our paper everyday?

Uh….. No. That’s not our son. He doesn’t deliver papers.

He doesn’t? My wife said it was your son, and she sent me over here with this present (a container full of tootsie rolls). I’ve been over twice already this morning and you weren’t home. ….Well, what the heck, just give him the present and card anyway.

Oh no. That’s not necessary.

No, no, please, just keep it. And he turned and walked away.

Well, OK. Bye then.

Bo & I looked at each other and smiled.

About ½ an hour later, the door bell rings again. Ding Dong.

Yes?

It’s Ivy, Henry’s wife.

Can I have that present and card back?

Yes, mam. Here it is.

Thank you. I don’t know why he left it here in the first place since your son doesn’t deliver our paper.

And back across the street she went.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh that is so sweet! I wonder what their back story is - how long have they been married, where did Henry work, where did they come from etc.

Find out more and blog about it!

Glenda, saved by grace said...

the picture that popped in my head when I read about Henry and Ivy , was of Mr and Mrs Nelms that lived on Cherry street, next to the Wilkersons. Do you remember them? I use ta mow their yard for $5.00...their 1/2 acre yard. Man, I could get 40.00 today.But then again I walked to the store with my gallon gas can and filled it up for .25 cents. Times sure have changed. Today it'd be considered child abuse for walking to the store, let alone mowing 1/2 acre at 11 and 12 years old.