They say New Englanders tend to keep to themselves and mind nobody’s business but their own –  but always keep a watchful eye out for those in need. This is true.

Andover is a small town of some 2,700 people. Our politics differ. Our incomes differ. Our education and life experiences differ.  But you will find no better people who offer instant support and kindness when our neighbors are in need. This is also true.

Recently I was involved in a hit-and-run – I was hit by an underground swarm of very angry wasps – and I ran!  How comical it must have been to see my ‘dance’ as I flailed around, ripping off my shirt, yanking off my hat, throwing down my gloves and glasses, and clawing at my skin.

Pretty quickly time slowed down as the pain and swelling increased.  I remember some of what happened and have since learned about the rest through the retelling of other people.  My life was like a perfect set of dominoes that day – everyone involved was right where they needed to be when I needed them.

So friends and strangers alike, this is for you:
To Joe, who ran home and came back with Benadryl AND a bottle of water  – a gesture so kind I continue to be amazed …; to Chuck, due to his own experience, was able to offer sage advice, a ride to the hospital (which I declined because I didn’t think I needed one) and a recipe for an antidote to heal; to Officer Jake, whose calm and gentle way helped relax me as he made a poultice in his kitchen; to Mary, for rescuing my ever present sidekick  – Little Pete; for Ken, here is where my memory starts to get a bit squirrely… I am told, somehow Chuck’s wife contacted Ken and told him to come take me to the hospital – no matter what… which he did, until I made such a fuss about Little Pete, Ken turned around and picked him up and he went to the hospital with us;

For my dear friend Pat, who received a call from my wife who was at work in Concord, who dropped everything at a moment’s notice to get to the hospital to relieve Ken as he had an appointment of his own; to the Doctor and Nurses and FRH – who came and got me out of the car – I think? Who stayed in my room – I think? To Liam and Dan – You poor souls need to be recognized as well. Only today did I find out these two brave men have burned that ground nest not once, but four times – and the wasps are not dead yet!!

I am sure I have missed some names and faces along the way.  Please don’t hold it against me – contact me and fill in the rest of the story. This town is like an old quilt. Well worn, a comfort when needed, always close by and nothing I will ever give up.

Andover is a great place to live and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of it.

Kathy Hildebrand