That’s Right Neighborly of You

Expressed by: Cassandra Dennis

What was right neighborly?

• Taking our laundry off the clothes line before it rained.
• Mowing my lawn because my mower is kaput.
• Walking my kids home from school because I was running late.
• Cooking a meal for my family because we were ill or had death in the family.
• Inviting my sons to play ball with you and your sons.
• Asking me to carpool with you so we both save money.
• Stopping by to check on me.
• Checking our mail while we were on vacation.
• Bringing us a Welcome to the Neighborhood basket.
• Helping us pack and load the truck when we moved. Well this might have been because you were glad to see us go.

This is how I grew up; with neighbors who became friends, then became family.

Do you remember the neighborhood block parties?  When we lived in the city limits our house was the block party house.  My parents invited the neighbors over for food, good old school music and plenty of board games or outdoor sport activities.  We all got to know each other, which made it easier for us to check on one another.

If there was bullying, the parents addressed it with each another, then with the kids and stopped it in its tracks.  Communication was key.  We were not afraid to talk to, laugh with or even disagree with each other.  It seems this is a distant memory.  Is “neighbor” a bad word now?  Seriously, is it?

I know things have changed, but I believe the heart of communities is still the love neighbors have for one another.  Help me disprove this fleeting thought of mine by sharing your BEST NEIGHBOR story in the comments below.