San

My mom is 70. Lives alone. Neighbor came over last week. Said “Your mom okay? I haven’t seen her in days.” I went to check. Found her on the floor. Fell. Couldn’t get up. Been there three days. Dehydrated. Scared. Alone. I asked why she didn’t call. She said “My phone was on the table. I couldn’t reach it.” The neighbor said “I should’ve checked sooner. I’m sorry.” Got mom to the hospital. She recovered. The neighbor visited every day. Brought flowers. Sat with her. When mom came home the neighbor said “I’m checking on you daily now. Whether you like it or not.” Every morning. 9 AM. Knocks on the door. Makes sure mom’s okay. Brings her coffee. Talks. Cares. Mom’s not alone anymore. Because a neighbor paid attention. Noticed an absence. Checked. I thanked her. She said “That’s what neighbors do. We look out for each other.” I think about those three days. Mom on the floor. Nobody coming. I think about what would’ve happened. Without this neighbor. Who noticed. Who cared. Sometimes being saved looks like someone knocking on your door. —Amanda, Georgia