Local teen feels compelled to help
Thirteen-year-old Muldrow resident, Mitchell Hobbs, has lived next door to his neighbor “Mr. Mike” for as long as he can remember.
Mr. Mike, a longtime resident of their neighborhood, has called his house home for the past 32 years. Throughout their years as neighbors, Mr. Mike has always been kind to Mitchells family, often receiving fresh eggs from their backyard chickens. Their neighborly relationship deepened over time, with Mr. Mike often Mitchell Hobbs
sharing stories about Muldrows history and imparting wisdom to Mitchell.
Despite his age, 83-year-old Mr. Mike has always maintained a cheerful disposition, even in the face of health challenges.
“My wife always said that idleness is the downfall of any man, so I always try to be a good person, and do my share to make the world better,” he said.
Neighbors say that Mr. Mike is often seen tinkering around his shop, or fixing equipment in his yard.
“Mr. Mike is the kind of man who has lived here so long that everything has a memory,” one neighbor remarked.
Last month, after attempting to organize his yard, Mr. Mike suffered a heart attack, leaving Mitchell and his family deeply concerned. Remembering Mr. Mike’s efforts to keep his yard tidy, Mitchell felt compelled to help.
Surveying the yard, Mitchell discovered broken equipment scattered about, some salvageable, others beyond repair. Determined to assist, Mitchell gathered the salvageable items and carefully stored them in Mr. Mike’s workshop.
With the help of his father, Mark, Mitchell relocated larger pieces of equipment to a designated area near Mr. Mike’s house, ensuring they were safely stored.
“There was a lot of equipment and parts lying around, so I moved them to one location for safety,” he said.
Recalling Mr. Mike’s mention of purchasing paint for the porch poles, Mitchell borrowed a paintbrush from his father and set to work. With each stroke, Mitchell breathed new life into the weathered poles, transforming the porch into a welcoming space once again. Mitchell then tended to the yard, weeding and mowing with care.
“I love watching videos of people mowing overgrown yards, it is so satisfying,” he said.
Upon returning from the hospital, Mr. Mike was greeted by a sight that warmed his heart. His once-neglected yard had been transformed into what he calls a “pristine oasis,” a testament to Mitchell’s kindness and friendship.
Reflecting on Mitchell’s gesture, Mr. Mike expressed profound gratitude, remarking on the rarity of such acts of kindness in today’s world.
“It is just so rare to have anyone really help you out these days. Mitchell is a good boy and a fine gentleman,” he said.
Despite being only 13, Mitchell’s aspirations reach far beyond his years. He dreams of attending Oklahoma State University and eventually becoming a firefighter. For Mitchell, being part of the community and contributing to its welfare are guiding principles instilled by his parents.
His parents share Mitchell’s sentiment, believing wholeheartedly in his potential to make a difference in the world. They commend his compassion and selflessness, traits they know will serve him well in his future endeavors.
In Mitchell, Mr. Mike says he sees not just a neighbor, but a true friend—one who embodies the values of true community. As their neighborhood thrives, Mitchell’s act of goodwill serves as an inspiration to others to lend a helping hand and spread kindness wherever they go.
