Widower Shovels Older Bedridden Neighbor’s Yard Daily, One Day He Doesn’t Find Her inside — Story of the Day

A cherry pie, a few meals, and Noah’s kindness helped him befriend his old next-door neighbor, Mrs. Garner, who was deeply grateful to him for shoveling her yard daily. But one day, she mysteriously disappeared, and he found a desolate “FOR SALE” sign in her front yard.

As Noah sat at the kitchen table in his new home, he couldn’t help but wonder how his life had taken a strange turn in the past few months. Six months ago, he lost his wife to cancer and embraced the role of a single dad.

Chris, Tim, and Harry were quiet, obedient children, yet Noah struggled to balance parenting and work. He was a teacher, and one day, he got a job offer from a small school in a remote district. The working hours were less, and the pay wasn’t great, but Noah accepted it, hoping to find a better balance in life.

“I guess it wasn’t all bad,” he told himself when the doorbell rang. When he answered the door, he found an older woman in his doorway. She was holding a cherry pie in her hands, and a small smile appeared on her lips as she saw him…

“Hi there, young man!” she said cheerfully. “I’m Mrs. Garner, and I live next door to you. You see, it’s nice to have new friends, so I thought I should pay a visit. Here, this is for you and your little children,” she added, extending the pie.

“Oh, that’s really sweet of you,” Noah said shyly, accepting it. “I’m Noah, by the way. Thanks for the pie. Would you like some tea?”

“I’d love that; thank you,” she said, smiling.

So Noah served her tea and cookies and told her he had relocated to a new house after his wife’s death.

“That must be tough for you,” said Mrs. Garner apologetically. “But that job opportunity sounds good. I’m glad you’re taking it.”

“Thanks,” Noah said. “It’s a bit lonely here, though. Like, I don’t know anyone, and my kids… I don’t feel safe leaving them alone.”

“Oh, darling, then you could use the help!” Mrs. Garner advised. “I live alone and got nobody. How about I help you out?”

“Thanks, but… are you sure? I don’t want to burden you.”

“Always! I’m always happy to help,” Mrs. Garner replied.

“Speaking of which,” Noah paused. “I noticed your yard needs shoveling… I moved here a week ago, and I see you don’t have help. How about I clear it for you?”

“Oh!” she laughed. “I’m an old bird, darling, and I don’t need it.”

“Please,” he insisted. “I want to do it for you.”

“Well, if you insist, then it’s alright. Thank you, Noah.”

So Noah began shoveling Mrs. Garner’s yard daily, and soon, they became good friends. He knew she was fragile and lonely, and needed help, so he visited her often and helped her out.