New Neighbors
In the last few months I’ve had the pleasure of meeting two couples who moved into the vacant homes on the block where I live. Both are pleasant, friendly, and a great addition to our community. I have a new walking partner and someone to trade books with. We both love to read and chat. One couple has a perky little dog who seems ready to make a new friend–me. And since I don’t have a dog of my own, I’m excited to enjoy him whenever he’s out for a walk.
During this uncertain time in our world where a war and a pandemic are raging, I’m more aware than ever of how important and precious it is to share space with good people, to help one another and to be a blessing simply by our presence.
Last year the pastor of the church I attend invited us to stay in touch with our neighbors by surprising them with a little gift of love–homemade cookies or a pot of soup, fresh fruit, a book we’ve enjoyed. I shared my books, some of my favorite chocolates and in return one neighbor brought me a bowl of homemade chowder and a chunk of sourdough bread.
This week I am feeling blessed and loved and cared for in new ways. A phone call, a text message, or a visit have reminded me that love comes in many forms. I want to be ready to give and receive it because I never know when the opportunity might not be as available as it is TODAY!
“Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners, and necessity has made us allies. Those whom God has so joined together, let no man put asunder. “
John F. Kennedy
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
1 Peter 3:8
Beautifully said Karen. I was walking with my dog and another neighbor after picking the mail and stopped to inquire about another neighbor, and met her children and her condition. Now we can help!!
Lovely, Lupe. Thanks for sharing your sweet experience.
This one warmed my heart, Karen. You always find to sweet spot in every situation. I so love that about you. Heidi
What a kind comment, Heidi. Thank you.
It’s wonderful to know our neighbors- especially in the times we find ourselves in. Now that mandates are behind us, I’ve just finished arranging a get-together for a group of neighbors to meet some brand new neighbors who purchased during the height of the pandemic. It’s been long overdue and there is great enthusiasm on the part of my other neighbors to come together- which will make the event even sweeter!
What a great idea, Glenda. I hope you all enjoy each other and what you each will bring to your community.
Oh I LOVE this Karen! I was just writing about reaching out to each other in as many ways as possible during these times. I belong to a card-writing group for Seniors and am busily establishing one of my own. Also finding and sharing so many resources and keeping record of who I have not called or touched bases with in a while. As my eye sight does whirly-gigs, I fight off depression and despair by doing for others. The fruit and/or cookie exchange is a lovely idea. Just got an okay from my doctor who called to personally tell me I am cancer-free after last week’s procedure. Just got my fifth great grandchild born on 03-06 and I am feeling so full of joy and thankfulness! Thank YOU for the lift of words! God bless you sister!
What good news all around, Zenobia. I, too, welcomed another great grandchild, mine on March 9.
I just love this, Karen! I have had some wonderful next door neighbors and they are priceless and some of my best was an older couple who were from China and she made delicious “Won Ton soup” and shared it with me and my husband and also at their house. We had them at our house for lunch also serving them our special BBQ that we cooked in a patented BBQ pit made on a Grocery card~my father-in-law invented it. Everyone loved it. In the last condo where I lived, when I was having a lot of problems walking one of my neighbors insisted I put my garbage bags by my door and he would take it to the dumpster which was past the next condo. He and his wife were so good to me and when I moved here I knew they needed a new couch and I had a new one that we could not use here so I gave it to them. It is wonderful to receive and blessed to give. Thanks, Karen, Love you, Margaret
Thanks for sharing these lovely actions, Margaret. During these uncertain times, there’s nothing like good neighbors and friends.
Thanks for your inspirational and neighborly ideas Karen.
You always challenge me to do more.
Smiles, BRC