WHAT HAPPENED TO ME WHILE SITTING ON MY FRONT PORCH

June 2023
Deana Tucker Dothage

This week I’ve worked from my home office, more specifically my front porch.

A few days ago, two ladies walked by my house multiple times. They were knocking it out of the park for getting steps in. Eventually, one of them walked by again, but alone. I commented on how many steps she must have accomplished. She looks at me and says, “I know you!” I did not recognize her but went to the street to learn more.

Turns out, she and I have two mutual friends, who sadly, have passed away. We discussed how we each had met the father & son and how important they were to both of us. We laughed and we cried. We agreed to keep in touch with the intent to get to know each other.

Each day I’ve seen her walk by, we wave.  She texted me a picture of one of our friends. What a sweet gesture. A simple yet significant act of kindness and compassion.

By taking the time to sit outside during my home office time, I had the opportunity to visit with neighbors and local walkers. This led to the amazing gift of connecting with this woman and sharing memories of mutual friends. They are gone, but I’m happy to have a new friend who remembers them.

Deana Tucker Dothage,  MPA

Extension Engagement Specialist in Community Development
MU Extension in St. Charles County

260 Brown Road | St. Peters, MO 63376

O: 636-970-3000 | E: dothaged@missouri.edu
W: https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/st-charles

How do you pronounce Deana Dothage?

 

Missouri Good Neighbor Week is Sept. 28 - Oct. 4: http://missourigoodneighborweek.com

Enrollment open for Neighboring 101: https://extension.missouri.edu/events/introduction-to-neighboring-101-2023

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