Recently I have described how much I enjoy watching constructions. In that context I mentioned that the neighbouring house is being heavily renovated. There is noise and dust and of course we are all anxiously watching, whether the extra windows, which are being added, will be a nuisance to us, the neighbours.One day last week, upon my return home from work, after I parked my car in the drive way, I paused for a few moments to scrutinize the work, realizing for the first time that the addition will interfere somewhat with the seclusion of my front terrace. I immediately thought about the fact that the bushes lining the parking lot might have to be kept higher to maintain my privacy.
In that moment I could feel a sting of aggravation, which was not there before. A slight irritation appeared, one that made me somewhat mad with this change. Overall, I am very bad when it comes to changes. I often watch changes with dislike and I inspect them with strong pessimism.
With an exhale I locked my car and while contemplating what I have just seen I walked over to my front door. Immediately I noticed that something was lying at my doorstep. It looked like a wrapped gift. When I came closer, I could see it was a transparent gift-wrapping that contained two bottles of red wine. The card disclosed it was from a very reputable retailer. I was thrown and immediately assumed this was delivered to my door in error. No one ever gives me wine without a reason.
When I came inside I turned the card over to realize it was indeed intended for me. It was from my neighbours, the ones that carry out the renovation. It contained words of thankfulness and apologies for the interference the construction was causing all of us living in the vicinity. I felt suddenly not just startled, but also ashamed.
But then I came to the conclusion that I should feel blessed that I live in such a wonderful neighbourhood and that people can still surprise me with their kindness and generosity. Shortly after I came to the realization that the change the construction will result in will affect my life in a very small way, if at all.
18 comments:
Such a great story. Lucky you :-) It's a great gesture from your neighbours. I love surprising people around me, this story just reminds me of keep up this good habit of mine or even do it often! Have a great day and enjoy your wine, love: Evi
a lovely post- thanks for sharing x
They are sensitive folks knowing how this is stressing everyone. You are right that a few plants will once again instill a coziness to your terrace. I have always been a person who usually likes small changes but rarely big ones.
For sure you've very thoughtful neighbours. Lucky you.
Wow! I love these people!! And TWO bottles of wine! I really love these people!
The construction will end and, someday, you will forget the noise or disturbance ever happened.
But you will ALWAYS remember the thoughtfulness of these people. Always.
Enjoy your week, my friend!
Cute story! I say feed your bushes MiracleGro and water well. And enjoy the wine! :)
Nice them, and you deserve it too, you've been patient!x
Great gesture indeed. So nice that your neighbors have noticed by themselves that this type of work not only concerns them, but that also affects - for good or bad - those around them. I wish my neighbors were just a bit like yours. They are not all that bad, but there have been a handful of irritating experiences.
How kind of your neighbors to think about how they may be affecting those around them. I love coming home to a package. (Not that it happens often, but when it does...:):))
I am really excited to watch the movies that you mentioned in yesterdays post!! I think those will be my late night treats this week!
That was very kind of your neighbors. And wise, I think, since it will soothe neighborly irritations! Good to know you have thoughtful neighbors. I'm also surprised frequently at just how thoughtful people can be.
WOW! What a wonderful gesture! I would feel kind of bad myself because I would be just like you, fuming at the changes and the inconvenience. I'm glad they seem to be such nice neighbors :)
After reading the other comments, there's another interpretation to consider.
You and other neighbors know the consequences of the new construction, both the noise and mess during the process. Not only that, the finished addition will block someone's view or it will add a confining feel to the immediate neighborhood.
Their gift is an inexpensive gesture that buys some goodwill and as they say, cuts them some slack.
A really nice gesture on their part. Hopefully the addition won't block much of your view or sunshine.
=Evi,
yes it is wonderful to give gifts; I agree. I love the anticipation of surprising someone.;)
I will certainly enjoy the wine, thank you.;) xo
=Lisa,
thank you so much.;) xo
=Tabor,
yes, I just have to usually get to use to the fact that something has changed.;) Then I am fine with it. Like you, big changes stress me out in a major way.;)
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a lovely comment.;)
=Mahmud,
I guess I do; it is very difficult to get along with your neighbors and there are some terrible stories about how people sue each other left and right.;) So, I am lucky that way.;)
=Julie,
and you are ALWAYS so right. Thank you for your wonderful words. xo
=Betsy,
it sure looks that way, right?;) Nature is the one who should take all the credit, all I do is water when needed.;) Thank you for always leaving kind comments.;)
=Reasons To Be...,
yes, it was nice of them and I guess I can endure another month of this.;)) The wine will for sure help.;))
=Claus,
you are so right, often people are too selfish to realize that they are affecting the lives of the ones around them. Constructions are necessary and much better endured when people that undertake them recognize that they are less than nice for the rest of us.;) Thank you for your kind words. xo
=Holly,
I love packages too, particularly when they come from Ireland.;))
I hope you will enjoy those movies, they are of the independent kind and I love the way they are made, as they show how talented the actors are.;)) Always glad when you stop by dear friend.;)) xo
=Rosezilla,
so am I; I always expect the worst and get pleasantly surprised over how kind people can be.;))
=Hazel,
yes, I had to smile when realizing what a good timing it was on their part.;)) I guess they are just good people who try their best to turn something annoying into something acceptable.;)
=Bill,
I had to laugh out loud reading your comment - what a true realist you are. And you know, there is much truth to what you say.
Today I too know that they are realizing that some of what they have done is a bit imposing and they are trying to make up for it.;) However, it could have been much worse and eventually it will be just fine for the rest of us to live with the additions.
However your point is well taken and appreciated.;)
Thank you for stopping by.;))
What a lovely story of HOPE...in that there are still courteous people in this world!!
Now, let your bushes grow a bit higher and sit on your terrace with a lovely glass of wine!! WONDERFUL!
=Jill,
you paint a beautiful picture in your comment, that is exactly what will happen. Thank you so much for stopping by.;))
You are still very lucky to have a really good neighbors, Protege. And I know how irritating constructions esp in your case it is very near in your house. I myself hate it too and I'm a bit OC when it comes to cleanliness- no dusts please! hehe :)
That is so nice of your neighbor to send you a wine. I wish our neighbors are generous and sensitive enough just like yours. hehe!
=Noelle,
I look forward when the construction is over, but I do think I am quiet lucky to be surrounded by considered people, that live in my vicinity.;))
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