Yesterday I watched the moving van pull away from my next door neighbor's house. A young widow and her little daughter are abruptly pulling up roots and moving to be with her mother who has cancer. It doesn't seem that long ago that we met at the fence and she, with tears running down her cheeks, told me of her husband's terminal diagnosis. And 15 months ago the call came in the night, asking me to drive her to the hospital after the ambulance left, and could the Gardener stay with her little girl?And so our lives intertwined in ways I would not have imagined on that day a few years back when I brought a plate of cookies to welcome them as new neighbors.
And any day now our newest neighbors will move in. I know nothing about them and wonder just how our lives will connect. Will they help us with an emergency? Will they have a baby? Will they keep to themselves? Will we, together, help our 89 year old neighbor? And so the rhythms of life continue to play out in our cul de sac.
You post gave me chills as I remember meeting our neighbors of long ago. Her husband went out on a motorcycle ride and was killed. Life does take you on a journey.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your week my friend!
Leann
You've captured true neighboring in this post. It gives me pause to stop and think about the neighbors we have known and cared about and for through our numerous moves around the country.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
What a poignant post. You sound like a good neighbor. I hope you can establish a relationship with your new neighbors as well.
ReplyDeleteOh my! What a great blessing you and your husband have been for those neighbors. What a sad story she is living just now. May she find great joy one day in the new place where she is going. Praying for her mother to improve and do well. Praying for the little girl. And praying for your new neighbors to be a great blessing to the neighborhood. And, as always, praying for you because changes can be a challenge.
ReplyDeleteOh sweet Podso, you look like the wonderful person you are. I'm amazed with the story of your past neighbor and your kindness. Hope you have nice neighbors this time, as well. Give my love to your Little Ones too! Hugs,
ReplyDeleteFABBY
I hope you get a neighbor as wonderful as yourself!
ReplyDeleteWe have had the same wonderful neighbours for over 35 years now and can't imagine what it would be like to have them move away or us, for that matter. I'm sure that whoever your new neighbours are that you will be wonderful to them. Hopefully they will feel welcomed in your cul de sac and become very good neighbours.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Pamela
That is so sad. How wonderful for them, though, that they have neighbours like you and the gardener.
ReplyDeleteGosh that is sad for that poor woman and child. I am thrilled to hear you say you took a plate of cookies next door when they moved in. This is something I like to do too - it's a nice welcome to the neighbourhood.
ReplyDeleteMost of our neighbours work, take their kids to activities on the weekend and pretty much keep to themselves. I envy people that have good, and friendly neighbours.
I hope you get a nice family with a woman that enjoys conversation over a cup of tea Dotsie.
Judith
your little corner sounds like one place for sure where pura vida lives. so sweet and touching and real
ReplyDeleteWe still treasure our time in the cul de sac. And yes ladies- she is a wonderful neighbor!
ReplyDeleteI am sure that you will be a blessing to your new neighbors as well as you were to your old neighbor.
ReplyDeleteIt's so sad that you young neighbor has had to go through all of this. I pray she has the strength to take care of her mother. You have been a good neighbor and friend to her and I'm sure you will welcome the new family as well. I hope they are wonderful people.
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
Praise the Lord for your response to your neighbor...I know it meant the world to her....again and again
ReplyDeletePodso,
ReplyDeleteThe Lord definitely has a plan in all of this, dear friend!!! I'll be watching and listening as the story unfolds!!!
Fondly,
Pat
We have had mainly great neighbours hope your new ones are good too.
ReplyDeleteMerle.....
It is lovely to have good neighbours-I am sure you will be a blessing to whoever your new neighbours are just as you were to your old ones.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Carolyn
I'm sure your young neighbour will miss you and will always remember your kindness to her. And I know that you'll extend the same kindness to your new neighbours, whoever they may be. A poignant post, Dotsie.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad reason to say goodbye to neighbors--i hope all will be well with her and her Mom. I hope you new neighbors will be nice and friendly.
ReplyDeleteI've only briefly met my neighbors, as winter weather is keeping everyone inside or in their cars as they travel to and from their houses. I keep wondering if any will become good friends with time? I do miss my Brooklyn, NY friends...sigh
I've always heard that in the south people are much more friendly and get to know their neighbors in a real way versus our separated lifestyle here out west in hectic, urban southern California. I hope it's true; I'd like to think there are still places around where neighbors are really neighborly.
ReplyDeleteOh, this is such a heartwarming post. What a blessing you have been to your neighbors, in a day when real connections are rare. You are an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteGood neighbors are such a blessing! I pray you get good ones. I have the most wonderful neighbors on all sides and across the street.
ReplyDeleteThe mosaic of life has so many threads... each with its own beauty and purpose. Beautiful post, Dotsie. That poor young woman has had some tough times; I'm glad you two were her neighbors. blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteThe amount of comments you've gotten here sends a thrill through me. Such love folks show to you, Dotsie. Returning the love from you, I know.
ReplyDeleteI second the comments about your neighbor. Can't add anything.
And curious about your beautiful, simple header. Wonder whose name is on the plaque. Thinking it's someone dear.
Very bittersweet.
ReplyDeleteIt is a blessing to have good neighbors.