Tammy was in shock and so was I. My neighbor, Sharon, had called the day before and when I asked her how she was, she said she was fine. But I knew from the tone of her voice that something was up. I asked what it was and she said our neighbor, Michael, had died suddenly the night before. He’d been at his mother-in-law’s house. Tammy and her mother suddenly heard a THUD come from the next room. They went to see what it was and found Michael on the floor. They called 9-1-1, then began CPR. They revived him twice but it wasn’t enough. He died that night anyway.
I met Michael about 4 years ago when we were out walking our dogs. 
We talked many times and became friends. He was one of the nicest, most unassuming men I’ve known. Very involved in his church, and always willing to help, he was loved by many people.
I went across the street about 3 days after he died to be with Tammy, his wife. She invited me in and we talked for a bit. She talked and I just listened. There had been a local election the day before and she asked me if I’d voted and I told her I did. She said that although she cares a lot about voting, she didn’t do it this time.
“Couldn’t get out of the house?” She nodded, saying it was all too much. “Sure.” I said. Then she began talking about a lot of political issues. I just listened, realizing it was a good distraction for her and got her mind off Michael for a little bit.
I left after about an hour and she thanked me for coming over. I couldn’t change the circumstances, but I had given her my time, attention, and presence, and it made a difference that day.
