It’s A Beautiful Day in My Neighborhood

Every day is a beautiful day in my neighborhood because I’m blessed to have incredible neighbors. Though Mr. Rogers and Tony Danza don’t come by, and Big Bird isn’t really invited, our neighborhood has no shortage of characters or camaraderie. We genuinely care for and about each other. Our friendships are especially unique as we are in different stages of life. Grandparents to grandchildren enjoy the company of one another. Together we celebrate birthdays, holidays, and milestones. We support one another through injury and illness.

We go beyond the neighborly “hello,” or sharing a cup of sugar, by being of service to one another. Our actions are purely by choice, not obligation. In looking out for each other, sidewalks are shoveled, gardens are tended to, leaves get raked, bagged, and hauled off. Somehow each of us has assumed a specific role. If a lawn needs moving Claudia steps up. As the “social director, Isaac sees to it that not too much time lapses between get-togethers. The older kids are the backyard summer camp counselors and babysitters. The Wallace’s can be counted on for a variety of “Driveway Movies.” Pull up a lawn chair and have a share of popcorn. Four-year-old Lucy makes up for what the movies might lack in humor. Keeping watch over us all is dear Pat.

I am not alone in my appreciation for our special place in the world. Unanimously, we all agree there’s no place else we would rather live. Kindness, compassion, and safety are embodied in our little neighborhood. We are as inclusive as Sesame Street, and as encouraging as Mr. Rogers, and probably more fun than Cheers. Here we know each other’s names, cater to each other’s needs, and are reminded that there really is “no place like home.”