“There can be no
vulnerability without risk.
There can be no
community without
vulnerability.”
M. Scott Peck

I could have simply walked on and minded my own business. Most people, I think, would have chosen that option. I didn’t. I noticed something that concerned me — something that posed a risk to the safety of others, so I took action. I rang the doorbell of a house in my neighborhood, even though I had no idea who lived there. I was aware of the possibility that things might not go well, but I was confident that everything would be okay. Remember… I believe the world, and those who reside in it, are basically good.

The danger was posed by two branches of a rose bush which extended well into the pedestrian walkway along the side of the home, located just off Williams Road in San José. Protruding from a gorgeous bougainvillea plant on the south side of the property, the two rose branches had large thorns which had the potential to harm passersby. I almost kept going, but decided to stop and ring the doorbell. It was another one of those serendipitous moments.

The doorbell was a Ring video doorbell attached to the gate of a six-foot wooden fence enclosing the front yard. It took a while for anyone to come to the door, though I could hear a young voice summoning her parents. Finally, a gentleman opened the gate. I didn’t want to alarm him, so I introduced myself and immediately explained my concern. His response could not have been more congenial.

Adeeb and his family have lived in this home for the past few years. His young son and daughter came out to the patio to see who was standing at their gate. They were delightful kids. After explaining the situation about the branches with the thorns, Adeeb and his daughter, armed with two small gardening clippers, walked out to the sidewalk on Williams Road to immediately remove the potentially dangerous obstacles.

Adeeb’s daughter, who was excited to help her Dad with the task, cut the branches precisely where her father directed her to do so. It seemed to me that she was pretty darn proud of the job she did,… and rightly so.

I thanked Adeeb and his daughter for addressing my concern so promptly and with such positivity. I mentioned to him that I write, and that I would like to write today’s blog post about my experience with them, including the photo of him with his daughter cutting the branch. He assured me that he was okay with it.

I should have mentioned that when Adeeb opened the gate and I had my first glimpse into the patio, I couldn’t help but notice something hanging on the wall next to the front door. It was a piece of artwork which read “Blessed and Grateful.”

Yes, they are. And yes, I am — to have had the opportunity to meet them.