Who Is My Neighbor

“Neighbors are given to us on the same basis as we are given our families. There is no element of choice involved - none at all.” ― Alexander McCall Smith

Just yesterday, September 11, 2016, a remembrance occurred of tragic and horrifying events which took place fifteen years prior. The 9/11/01 date will remain etched in the minds of many Americans as the day in which the unthinkable occurred.

Nearly 3000 innocent people lost their lives in the initial events and scores of others who have and will likely perish as a result from injuries and exposure to toxins in the attacks carried out. This is something the history books will carry for a long time.

There were hundreds of stories of heroism by the first responders, people within the sites and those who came to the scenes to help those in need. There are also stories of complete strangers helping others in the exodus from the sites of tragedy.

People treating others as their neighbor.

As you read the stories of those fleeing lower Manhattan as the towers began to crumble, your instincts are to run as fast and as far as you can. The mass exodus of people trying to find an escape from the thick and suffocating debris was human survival on display.

Yet one can see in the still images, the videos and stories of people assisting others in their escape. Helping to carry, provide a shoulder or cover them in protection from the fallout. There were stories of people in distress being pulled up and into the safety of closed buildings. Others were sheltered or literally covered by a stranger behind cars to protect them in their distress. So many small acts of kindness among a sea of people who normally pass by each other on a normal day never taking notice.

Who is my neighbor than?

Look around you and you everywhere you look you will find your neighbor. As you drive to work this morning, the guy with the flat tire along the road is your neighbor. The mom trying to get her kids and groceries into her vehicle is your neighbor. Even the broken and homeless on the street who may only want money to support an addiction is your neighbor.

Individually acting as a neighbor, we may never solve the problem, but we can make a small difference. All of us acting together as neighbors, we can certainly do a lot to make a bigger difference in the lives of others. So who is your neighbor? Just open your eyes and you will see them everywhere.

Stay inspired my friends!