Originally posted on Facebook on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

Week 28 of 52 Weeks of Gratefulness: I give thanks to God for a neighbor.

Years ago, before Uber or Lyft, my family and I were leaving Chick-fil-A in Columbus, Mississippi, only to discover our car wouldn’t start. Someone attempted to give us a boost, but even after more than 10 minutes of charging, there wasn’t so much as a whisper.

Another man, observing all this, walked up to me and said, “That battery’s not charging. The problem could be the alternator or the battery, but you should at least start with a new battery. Do you need a lift to the store?”

Then he took out an immaculately organized toolbox from his truck and proceeded to help me remove the battery from my car. He drove me to AutoZone, waited with me while the battery was tested and as I bought another, then drove me back and helped install it. He stayed to make sure the car wouldn’t cut off while idling.

That man was Tim Chaltry.

I recently learned that he passed.

This is how I’ll always remember him: as someone who demonstrated what it means to be a neighbor—caring, compassionate, generous, and available. He was a real-life Good Samaritan who went the extra mile… for me, and doubtless for others.

I’m grateful.

#52WoG