For about one year, Mom was the neighborhood trash collector. She put on her hat and armed with her metal reacher, she executed her clean up mission in our apartment complex. Mom went as far as her legs and walker allowed. She eventually ventured into surrounding neighborhoods. I finally convinced her to stay near our complex only.
The community thanked her with notes left on bushes and often with a garbage bag tied to it. Neighbors even yelled out of the windows of their cars, “Thank you!”
By way of thanks, neighbors purchased cold slushes or coffees for Mom from the Human Bean coffee shop and gave them to her. Sometimes, when she walked near the shop, customers would hand her a drink.
Appreciation is not overrated.
E.V. Sparrow 