Actually,
the saying is more along the lines of property lines making good
neighbors. More specifically, it covers fences. Good fences make
good neighbors.
But
we’re not here for privacy. We’re here for interaction. And I
have to say, recent events have me believing more than ever that
consideration goes a long way in the process.
During
our first year in a house, Terry and I noticed that our neighbor
didn’t jump on cleaning up the leaves from his tree. That’s his
business. But, when the leaves fall, get blown into our yard,
collecting in a drainage ditch where they are far from a joy to
move, that’s out business.
The
second autumn at that address, I saw him in the yard. Asked him
if he minded if I drove the ride on mower onto his property and
used bagger to collect the leaves, all of which made it a bit
easier by cleaning them up before they became a wet pile in a
ditch. He was fine with that, and we did it for years after.
Now
that makes us look good, which is great. But it’s not just us
being friendly next door.
At
a previous house, our neighbor across the street introduced herself
by bringing over dozens of iris plants. She was thinning out the
ones in her yard and wondered if we’d like some. We took them,
planted them and enjoyed them. When we moved, we dug up several
of them and brought them with us. Thinned our yard out by bringing
some to the boys. Her kind gesture has added to the beauty of
four yards in three states.
It’s
not all about helping with yardwork or gifting plants. There are
plenty of interesting ways you can be a good neighbor.
Nearby,
someone is installing a pool. Terry and I saw it, and we’re looking
forward to hearing the sounds of children playing on hot and sunny
days. For us, it just immediately feels happy. And yet, I know
several people that had pools and neighbors complained about the
sounds of children splashing around during the summer.
Have
you ever left a gift, or perhaps baked something for a neighbor?
Over the years, Terry and I had neighbors that raised bees. When
we moved into that house, they came over and shared some honey
with us. We have an ongoing exchange taking place with a couple
near us now, which involves homemade treats, craft projects and
plants.
When
I was really young, my father was putting up a basketball hoop
in our yard. Pole was installed next to the driveway. Just needed
to get the backboard in place and secured. Sounds easier than
it turned out to be.
Back
then, just about everyone on our block had lived in their homes
for ten or more years. We all knew each other. One neighbor saw
our troubles. He happened to do work that involved some heavy
equipment, and he showed up with a massive crescent wrench. (No.
Really. Massive. At least 24-inches.)
We
hadn’t called him over. He just saw us, figured we needed a hand,
and came over to help out.
And
I think it’s that thought… helping out (or at least dropping off
some cookies and banana bread)… that makes the best neighbors.
It’s not about fences. Not about patience with the children running
around. It’s about kindness. It’s about caring. Looking out for
others. Helping out when you can.
Be
nice. Wave. Say hello. Costs you nothing, but it makes your corner
of the world a better place.