At times the requests exceeded what we could safely provide, and saying no felt like betraying Arthur’s spirit.

Elise reminded me that Arthur had given a friendship freely, not a promise that one neighbor could solve every problem.

We built relationships with existing charities, social workers, and transportation services so we could refer people to help rather than make promises outside our abilities.

Once, a woman asked me to keep a bag containing her medication and important documents because she didn’t trust her landlord.

I wanted to help immediately.