Some are friends, others are neighbors, and some are both. Perhaps you raised your family together; share retirement adventures or welcome new neighbors. You know the names of the furry friends and share treats. Houses are watched and helping hands are given. Neighborhoods are more than just the places we live. They can also be a sense of community within communities.
2018 was a pretty tough year in our small neighborhood; major health concerns, loss of loved ones, and expensive home repairs. Some are caregivers for aging loved ones; others are helping family members with health recovery. The year was also good New neighbors with children and puppies brought youth. Team efforts provided stronger networks and less stress. Barbeques and holidays embraced strangers, neighbors, and friends.
I don’t know everyone in our neighborhood but I know we all look after our community’s safety and well-being. I am blessed with sharing hugs in a driveway, exchange of gifts over the fence, and kind smiles and waves. We are fortunate that neighbors and friends know our routines and when something doesn’t seem in the norm a call or text is made. We respect each other privacy and property and nurture kindness.
We have a lovely neighborhood and are blessed, we also work at it. It’s easy to get busy in one’s own life, but try to make more opportunities to be a better neighbor or friend. Sometimes, all we need to do is to listen or look for cues.