How I built my support system

The next day, I spoke with my neighbor Laura, a young mother who worked from home.

I made her a simple proposal:

I needed someone to remind me to take my medication each morning.
She needed occasional help watching her children during meetings.

So we helped each other.

Now, every morning, she stops by for a few minutes, brings me coffee, and makes sure I’ve taken my medication.

In return, twice a week, I pick up her children from school, give them a snack, and stay with them until she finishes work.

Expanding the circle

Then I spoke with Pablo, another neighbor who returns home late.

I asked him to stop by each evening just to check that I was okay.

In exchange, I receive his packages during the day.

Next, I partnered with Antonia, a widow my age. Cleaning had become difficult for both of us, so we hired a cleaner together and shared the cost.

Little by little, more people joined:

The bar owner nearby, who notices if I don’t show up in the morning
The pharmacist, who reminds me when prescriptions need renewing
The greengrocer, who delivers heavy groceries once a week
The result changed everything

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