ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — People, for the most part, are good. I think I tend to forget this from time to time, partially blinded by a cynicism that comes with years of observing human behavior and recording it for someone's consumption on the pages of newspapers.
For a long time, although I would always have a circle of friends, I tended to insulate myself from the good that people are capable of, occasionally reading of it after one disaster or another brought the neighbors out, helping one another or even people across town, without thought of reciprocity.
Disasters such as storms tend to bring the good in people out, to the surface, and all of the sudden our busy lives are put on hold because we know that we must band together and help one another in little ways, if that's all we have. And then there are those souls who perpetually help others not because it looks good, or even feels good, but rather because it may just be the right thing to do.
Standing over the engine of my aging, large red and white pick-up truck, sure I could fix whatever was ailing it — this is not a realistic expectation on my part — my neighbor Eddie Baker walked over to give me a hand. Another day, when I showed up at home in time for lunch, Eddie had just left my house, voluntarily trimming back the limbs that might have badly bruised my old house last week when Hanna blew her winds through here.
Eddie Baker simply wanted to help. He's like that all the time.
Standing out in the yard one day, a woman walked up, looking lost and somewhat confused. My wife, Robin, struck up a conversation with the woman and ended up giving her a lift somewhere, offering to help her from time to time when the woman needed a hand.
Others have sought help and Robin has been there. I have to admit that I've complained from time to time, whining that I wanted my wife's attention. But Robin will remind me that it's in our best interest to help others.
I'm not entirely selfish, either, but I can't hold a candle to someone like Robin, or Eddie Baker, who will arrive on the scene just when help is needed. People like these seem to have a built-in sense about them, always knowing just when to help.
Robin, it seems, will help to the point that she is exhausted. And I get frustrated for her but I am reminded that it's people like my wife who offer hope where there might be none at times.
Storms like Hanna always remind me, too, that there is work to be done. While we had a minor blow compared to other furious women of weather lore who have flown through this town, she left a small mark to remind us that we need one another.
After the wind had died down, and people began milling about last week, I would overhear conversations about neighbors helping neighbors. I was happy, I thought, that I am able live in a place where there is a congenial air about the people, willing to lend a hand. I can't say that it's always been that way in places where I have lived, so it makes it a little sweeter when I hear that people still care, and regardless of who you are or from where you come, there is someone for you, and for me, waiting for the opportunity to be neighborly.
Robert Kelly-Goss writes for The Daily Advance. E-mail: rkelly-goss AT coxnc.com