My Neighbor Buried My Pond While I Was Away — I Showed Him Why You Don’t Mess with an Older Woman

I’m 74, and my beloved pond—handed down from my great-grandfather—was destroyed while I was away. My neighbor Derek, who’s always hated the pond and complained about the frogs and bugs, hired a crew to fill it in without my permission.

When I returned, the pond was gone, replaced by mud. With help from my granddaughter, we checked footage from a tree camera and caught Derek red-handed. I reported him to environmental authorities since the pond was a protected habitat with rare fish. Derek got slapped with a hefty fine.

Then my grandson, a lawyer, helped me file legal claims against Derek for property damage and emotional distress. I even talked to Derek’s wife, Linda, who was shocked to learn the truth. She ended up kicking Derek out.

Soon after, Linda helped rebuild the pond. We became friends, sharing lemonade by the restored water. She told me she was glad Derek’s actions revealed what a good neighbor I am.

Now, I have my pond back, a new friend, and one unforgettable story.