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Health & Fitness

It's "Jerry Appreciation Day" in Pittsburgh!

Take a moment to say "thank you" a very good neighbor.

I bet you never heard of "Jerry Appreciation Day" and that's ok because I just invented it.

It's Jerry Appreciation Day because a nice man named Jerry has done something very nice for his neighbors, and feels that his efforts and expense were not adequately appreciated.  My goal is to change that.

Jerry is a neighbor of my daughter who lives in Pittsburgh.  She works and goes to nursing school there.  She rents a studio apartment on the 3rd floor of an old mansion on the North Shore.  Jerry lives on the 1st floor, and the entrance to his unit faces the gated parking lot in the rear of the building. 

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My daughter works odd shifts at a local hospital, and sometimes has to leave and come home in the dark.  We are all very happy that Jerry keeps an eye on things.  We are comforted to know that if an "incident" occured in the lot, Jerry is just a few steps away, within screaming distance.

When we visited Pittsbugh in June, to see the Tigers v. Pirates series, we noticed that an absolutely gorgeous "urban garden" graced the lovely carved stone entranceway to the building.  Daughter told us that the garden was the work of Jerry, and that he set it all up and maintains it.   

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I wish I had taken a picture.  He built "levels" and incorporated some interesting architectural "relics" into the design.  It truly beautified the residence, and I'm sure everyone who saw it got some pleasure from such a pretty sight.

I can't take a picture now, because Jerry has taken the garden down.  He feels his efforts were not appreciated by his neighbors.  He would like, at the very least, for someone to say, "Thank you."  A couple of bucks to cover his costs would not hurt his feelings, either, as Jerry is not a wealthy man, by any means.

That's why I decided to declare today "Jerry Appreciation Day," and I would like my readers to think about a person like "Jerry" who might be present in their lives.

Is there someone nearby who has done something that makes your world a little more beautiful?  Take a moment.  Let them know.

Turns out, our Jerry is an MSU football fan!  My daughter has asked me to purchase a t-shirt for him, and I did.  Don will mail it on Tuesday.  I hope he likes it; I hope it fits. 

Most important, I hope Jerry understands that we appreciate what he does and what he is:  A very good neighbor.

Please note:  As usual, I will be out on my driveway to offer doughnuts and juice to neighbor kids who cut through my yard to get to EHMS.  I have done this for 11 years.  Not many takers last year!  I guess kids are getting rides and taking the bus.  But they are welcome to cut through and say "hello."  Please walk your bikes on the grass and don't litter.  Have a good year.

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