Love a Good Story
I just Love a Good Story. Don’t you just Love a Good Story?
Well, here is another good story.
Who is Your Neighbor?
How would you describe your relationship with your next-door neighbor(s)? Do you know the person or family? How long have you lived next door to your neighbor(s)? Do you speak or engage in small talk as you both are coming and going? Do you just say “Hello?” Do you look the other way?
Since I have lived on my street, I understand what it means to be a good neighbor. We had a perfect example of a good neighbor, but he recently passed away in April 2025. He was what I consider a good neighbor. This man helped almost everyone on our cul-de-sac and those around the corners. This wonderful man got to know his neighbors by helping them with repairs in the homes or cars. My friend loved cars, and he was eager to help anyone with their car; give it a good wash or battery charge, or just about anything. He waved and blew his horn every time he saw another neighbor in their yard or on their way in or out of their house or cul-de-sac.
This reliable person shoveled snow from our driveways and sidewalks. The first time I heard him outside my house shoveling the driveway, I came out to help. Other neighbors did the same thing, and before we realized it, with his lead, we shoveled snow from each of our driveways and the first space on the street. Each time it snowed, we would all gather in the arc and begin shoveling snow. Who would have thought that shoveling snow could be so much fun?
In the spring and summer, we would meet in the arc and talk about our plans – what we accomplished during the winter, and what we had left to do. We talked about our families, vacations we planned, and how any of the other neighbors were doing. Sometimes one of us would be in our yard planting, or working, and instead of meeting in the arc, we met in their yard. My friend was always present and kept us going year after year.
During the fall, my friend raked my next-door neighbor’s leaves, my leaves, cleaned out the gutters of our houses, and trimmed the bushes for us. He also helped the people behind us on both sides of the street. He loved to help people, and we loved him for his love and kindness to us.
One time, he told us that our neighbor three doors down had to go to the hospital. We got together, picked a day and time, and visited him. Our neighbor was so happy to see us–his neighbors coming to visit him. He even sat up to greet us when he saw us all heading his way. His wife was so excited she didn’t know what to say.
I miss my neighbor, Chris, and all the other neighbors who lived in the cul-de-sac but moved away. The police officer and his family, who lived across the street, moved further north to be with their daughter. The lady next to him was placed in a nursing home due to the seriousness of her dementia. The family before Chris moved to a larger house. The lady on my left was placed in a senior center.
I miss the good times we had, the way we relied on each other, and the way we loved each other. My next-door neighbor on my right, who lasted the longest, lost her husband about fifteen years ago, and now she is in a nursing home. Before she was placed, she and I continued our get togethers in her yard or my driveway. The For Sale sign that has been in her yard for the past two weeks has been taken down. Today, there is a different car in the driveway. I am the last neighbor of our group.
The neighbors now are different. We just live next door to each other or across the street or two, three, four houses down. Before Chris moved into the neighborhood, we were all friendly toward each other. We said hello and waved and even stopped to help carry a bag. After Chris moved in, he showed us how to enjoy each other; how to value each other. As I look back now, I am certain I’ve valued all my neighbors.
What does it mean to be a good neighbor? Who can be a good neighbor? Are there any special requirements? Does a neighbor have to be respectful, kind, thoughtful? Does a neighbor have to live next door? Who is a good neighbor?
See who is a good neighbor in Blessings and Curses. Read Blessings and Curses.
They sent me a preacher girl. She walks in here, all clean hands and quiet prayers, thinking she can save my soul in two weeks. She looks at me and sees a monster. Fine. I am. But I see something in her, too. A shadow behind her eyes that she tries to hide. She thinks she’s bringing God into my cell. She doesn’t realize she just walked into a memory she forgot she had. This isn’t her mission. It’s her history lesson.
Ready for a story that blurs the line between sinner and saint?
Read ‘Blessings and Curses’. #BookSuspense #FamilyDrama #Redemption #CharacterDriven #MustRead
That’s all for now. Until next time.
Love a Good Story 