I am grateful to have the most kind neighbour via /r/gratitude

I (41f) moved into a little house 7 months ago. I bought it after my 18 year marriage failed due to my ex-husband’s infidelity. Our two youngest children primarily live with me. Especially during the school year. This man (60’s and retired) introduced himself on possession day. He has always been kind to me and my kids. Helping with little things when he can.

In early July, I ran home from work on my lunch break and he stopped me at my door to tell me an ambulance had been called to take his wife into palliative care. He didn’t want me or kids to be alarmed. I didn’t even know she was sick. She died the next day. Last weekend I was mowing my grass and he came to tell me she had passed the day after we last spoke. They were married for 40 years. No kids. In the worst moments of his life he was still looking out for everyone else. He Invited me over and showed me his above the garage pad he built. We talked about his wife and he showed me all the DIY projects they loved to do. I told him about my eaves falling off the house and water getting in my basement. He came over and took a look in my basement that day.

I’m transitioning to a different schedule and I woke up to the sound of drilling?!?! I peaked through the window and he was on his ladder reattaching my eaves to my house on his side! His wife passed away less than 2 weeks ago and he is still out and about in our neighbourhood, being the most kind hearted person. He is always helping and talking to everyone. Even through unimaginable grief. What a true gift. I am walking through an incredibly hard season of my life at the moment… Then along comes this angel that is going through the absolute worst moments of his life and he is helping me? Without being asked! While he grieves?

I lived in an apartment for 2 years before I bought my house and had really great neighbours there too. I really hit the neighbour lottery and it’s made living on my own so much easier. I can’t put into words having that support. Especially when It takes everything out of me to survive or to get out of bed everyday and keep going. I’ve been so incredibly lucky not only to know him but to live beside him?

I need any help I can get, I’m drained and running on empty. That man is such a gift to everyone he knows.