I didn't notice......

[TKDQ]

One of my neighbours came to me last night asking if I had seen my other neighbour 'Reg' recently, I hadn't seen him for a few days, but that is not unusual, especially with the rain, we all pretty much stay indoors when the weather is bad. His dog lives in a kennel outside and it had been noticed that the dogs food bowl had been upturned for a few days.

I had a bad feeling, his bathroom light was on and according to another neighbour it had been on for a couple of days. I phoned the police, while we all waited outside for the police to turn up, more neighbours joined us, we got ladders up against his house trying to look through windows but couldn't see him.

My other half came home from work and decided to try and break Regs door in when the police eventually turned up and took over banging in the door. They found Reg, he was dead in the bathroom.

I am absolutely gutted, he was one of the nicest old fellas you could ever wish to meet, he had a face like Father Christmas, with rosey cheeks and a cheeky smile. I knew he had no family, so a couple of years ago I had him and a couple of other neighbours round for boxing day dinner, more to give him company and show him that we care.

But today I feel like I really let him down. I didn't notice that I hadn't seen him, I didn't notice that his dog wasn't making the usual noise. I didn't have the time to notice. I've been so busy with the kids off school and rushing in and out of my house, I didn't notice. He had been lay there for a couple of days the police man said. I don't know if it would have made any difference even if I had have noticed.

He was a man of 67 years, living on his own, dying on his own.

I'm not really sure where this thread is going, I just needed to share, and to say, that i think if we all just slowed down a little we would notice whats going on around us, had I slowed down I may not have lost a great neighbour and surrogate Grandad to my children. I will miss seeing his face and seeing him laugh, I will miss watching him in his garden on hot days listening to his old records. Goodnight Reg, I will miss you.

[AuntiePink]

That's sad babe but don't beat yourself up just cos life gets in the way of being perfect. Think of the smiles you brought him instead, you sound like a lovely, caring neighbour.

{{hug}}

[Kwajman]

Life and death happens and its nice that you care, your a good neighbor. Most people today don't even know their neighbors names.

[heim]

Originally Posted by Kwajman

Most people today don't even know their neighbors names.

such as myself, and proud of it

But, it is ashame to hear of your neighbor, and you should just think of the happiness you've given him, and don't beat yourself over not being able to help him. He may have died even if you did know about it

[warriorofanart]

That is the gift of life, dont blame yourself, you did more than most would do.
Take it easy.