The dark had crept in, and now the rain. He was unable to move as he’d been out longer than expected and forgotten his medication. He’d told her he was going for a walk around the block: “Needed exercise after a day at home.”
Hadn’t said he was going to the supermarket to stock up on peanut butter (his addiction). He had trouble using his phone and his wife didn’t drive even if he contacted her. Uhm …
Out of the gloom he heard, “Can I help?” as he was covered by the young man’s large umbrella. The rain was heavy now. The stranger walking home from the supermarket had noticed him.
After hearing his situation, the man phoned his surprised wife. She quickly came and together they assisted him home. Before leaving, the new friend gave his contact details and offered further help if they needed it.
“Transfigured night” he thought as he settled into the warmth and security of home.
Another day, another supermarket. Again, he’d found it necessary to rest. His wife returned from gathering groceries to find a young couple sitting and talking to him. They insisted on ordering an Uber to take them home.
These cheerful acts of kindness made him feel less vulnerable and able to take the risk to leave home to meet with friends at a coffee shop, go for a walk in the park, to the local shops and post office. They put the unity into community. As people walk in Surry Hills he’d exchange a casual hello or a few words as he went out for exercise.
He enjoyed meeting friends at the neighbourhood centre where Steve and his helpers made Devonshire teas and other snacks. Steve trains in cooking and catering skills and encourages connections and opportunities.
Residents had fought to keep the library in this central position and now it’s a fertile place where people connect through meetings, meals, exercise and other classes. They’d made many good friends this way. And now, with his reduced mobility, it was important to have friends who lived nearby.
Our postie, while delivering mail with messages of love and support (as well as the bills!), observes so much about our neighbourhood. She talks to all, including the lonely and shunned. She keeps conversations light and sunny but shows levels of deep, unaffected sympathy.
He thought of people who invite others for meals and festivities when they need company, and neighbours who cook and assist the elderly nearby.
It’s corny, of course, but it made him think of something said in old westerns: “There’s gold in them there hills.”
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Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre (SHNC) café operates every Friday from 10.30am to 2pm. It is a warm and welcoming space for all community members. It also provides services that support the community. Last year a writing workshop called Connecting Words engaged people to write about the topic of community. Jean Littlefield’s piece was chosen for publication. Currently, At the Edges Writer’s Studio is happening on Thursdays 9.30-11.30am, $50 for four sessions or $15 per session.
