“Neighbors” 8.23.24

Once, there was a lovely rose bush. In the morning, it brightened the world outside my kitchen window. The house adjacent to ours was dilapidated and had been vacant for several years, yet the flowers were always in bloom. Recently, the owners have decided to clean up and rent out that house. The construction workers paid no respect to the rose bush. When I peered out the window, the roses were gone. In their place was a large orange dumpster. For a couple of weeks, there has been no labor next door, but the dumpster remains. Yesterday, people came by explicitly to throw out garbage. The property is becoming horrifyingly close to a landfill. Maybe the roses are in a better place.

I live in a quiet little neighborhood, surrounded by delightful people. Retired couples dot the street; they pop their heads out of windows to say hello, and invite me to share their company. I have lived in this house for nearly six years, and everyone has been so kind and welcoming. My friends across the street are always working in their yard, taking pleasure in being outside. They have aided us with our own lawn, and helped me to pot and re-pot indoor plants that follow me home from Lowe’s. They have cared for our dog, Logan, on numerous occasions. These neighbors are protective of me, and they keep me in the loop about where they are when they aren’t home. I feel safe with the knowledge that I can count on them if I am in trouble. I hope they know they can count on me as well.

I have enjoyed many visits with the nice woman who lives to our left. Her back porch is level with our back yard. She has indoor cats, and our dogs seem to be in a competition for loudest “conversation,” as they almost always go outside simultaneously. This week, the massive ivy tree we share will finally be demolished, after many years of neglect.

One of our neighbors is knowledgeable about animals, and in an emergency dog situation she has imparted her wisdom and saved the day. She owns a female dog and has also hosted Logan several times. Logan pauses outside her house to get a glimpse of his “girlfriend” through the window every time we pass during a walk.

There is a warm and empathetic woman at the end of the street, who always has a word of encouragement. She offers her shoulder for tears which have yet to fall, and is very supportive of my endeavors. My heart swells when I see her and I have no doubts that she is in my corner.

One particular Disney princess felt ostracized in her neighborhood and sought refuge in a large, frightful, dark, mysterious mansion in the middle of nowhere. I am fortunate to live in a place where the people do not drive me away, but open their hearts. My neighbors have displayed that even in a world full of dilapidated buildings, flowers thrive.

–SJB