Last year I had a bumper crop of tomatoes.  I was literally running out of people to pawn them off too.  But one day when I was outside my neighbor, an elderly man named Richard, was sitting in his screened porch puffing away on his cigarette like he did everyday.  Even though this was our second summer living in our house I really had not had the opportunity to talk to him much.  So, I figured maybe I would see if he wanted some tomatoes and while I was at it I would get to know a bit more about him.

     So, I took my bowl of tomatoes and my daughter over to his house.  Richard was so excited we came over to chat and invited us in.  He had plenty of toys for my daughter to play with because his great grandkids came to visit him often.  So, I asked if he wanted any fresh tomatoes and he immediately said yes.  He told me about how he used to have his own garden but was no longer able too.  I could tell the years were wearing on him because he asked what my name was a few times and told me the same stories a few times.  But I didn’t mind because I knew he was really enjoying our company.  After a while we headed home for dinner and I really didn’t think much more of our encounter after that. 

     Well, a month or two goes by and I was outside with my daughter when one of Richards sons come over with his wife to chat.  They said how Richard was so excited I brought him the tomatoes and how he really appreciated it.  I thought it was great that I would now have another person to bring tomatoes too and I knew he would really enjoy them.

     Unfortunately a few months ago we heard that Richard had passed away.  I noticed that he hadn’t been outside as much but I figured he was out at different times then me.  Anyway, tonight my husband was out cutting the grass when Richards son in law came over to chat.  My husband said he was really sorry to hear he had passed.  We actually didn’t find out till a few weeks later.  Anyway, his son in law said thanks again for bringing Richard the tomatoes.  He said he talked about it all the time and it really meant a lot to him.  I just can’t help but have a full heart tonight.  Here was this little action I took that to me seemed like nothing important but had such a huge impact on this one mans life. 

     Richard wherever you are tonight I just want to say thank you.  Just as I was able to bring a smile to your face you have brought one to mine!    

Here is my husband version on his blog.