My sweet 80-something year old neighbor called me earlier today, unfortunately I didn't reach it in time so she texted "I've hurt myself and can't walk, will you please come and help?"

My thoughts immediately went to her falling or something, so I yelled for my boyfriend and we ran.. 💨

When we got inside, she sat quietly in her chair, looking tired and sad. Turns out she has a pinched sciatic nerve and can barely walk - and it had already been like this for a few days.

Her kids live several hours away - if not several countries away, so we were the closest people who could possibly help her.

Along with another neighbor, we've set up a schedule for the remaining days of the weekend, as social helpers can't come until Monday - so today I've brought her lunch and dinner, and later I'm going by to make sure she gets painkillers before bedtime, then tomorrow we switch with the other neighbor.

Honestly, that situation is my absolute nightmare when I'm getting older, being alone with no family close by... but I'm also so thankful that she decided to ask for help, because of course we'll help her. I just hope someone does the same for me when I'm old and can't walk.

Photo: Stock photo used for illustrative purposes; not of actual people in the story