From that day on, something changed.
He started stopping by, not just for repairs, but for conversation. He helped fix the broken fence in the backyard. He taught my son how to patch a bike tire and clean a spark plug. He joined us for family dinners. He even came to our block’s potluck and made his late wife’s famous potato salad from memory.
He became our friend.
He became family.
And it all started with a leaking washing machine and a cup of tea.
The Kindness That Connects Us All
I often think about how different this story could’ve been.
I could’ve said “thank you” without offering tea.
I could’ve rushed him out the door.
I could’ve seen only the job, not the man doing it.
But instead, I paused. And in doing so, I reminded someone that he still mattered.
