Remember the Good Neighbors

We don’t find them too often, but when we do, we really need to hang onto them. Good neighbors are becoming more and more difficult to find. Society is so busy, people working two jobs, the kids in music, sports, dancing school, boy or girl scouts; leaving no time to meet your neighbor and get to know your neighborhood.

Living in the same home for just about seventeen years, and knowing two neighbors well, is considered normal, asking for help is just not something we do anymore. It is really very sad. Have you ever walked down the street in your neighborhood, smiling and saying hello to everyone; you should try it. At first people will just look at you as if you are crazy; slowly these people will come out of their shell, and perhaps smile back and if your lucky they may ask, “How are you”? This is like a science project, but if you try, you just may be surprised by the response.

Over time things may change, you may find one neighbor asking for help with a package; or you may offer to help them when you see them with a large package. Perhaps, of course you may notice a neighbor or two at church; why not car pool, it saves money and give you all a chance to get to know each other. One Sunday you may all decide to go to breakfast after church; a start of a neighborly friendship.

In today’s society it seems we, you and I will have to be the ones to reach out, to re-create the old fashion neighborhoods, where we knew who we could depend on, or go over to have a cup of coffee and talk. Perhaps encourage your children to go to Mrs. Smith and find out if she needs anything from the local deli, since they are going that way. I remember when the kids really did not have the option; the neighbor just called to see if you were home and then asked if you would go to the store. Your kids respected you neighbor, the deli owner, and any adult; period, there was no talking back. Unfortunately communities have fallen apart, and Mr. Colon, doesn’t even know your name, never mind you kids names; this has happened due to lack of trust.

Summer time is coming, why not go out for a walk after dinner, say hello to some of the people in your neighborhood; as time goes on and you meet more people, stop in on an elderly person. The elderly people today are suffering from lack of respect, but more so, they lack the ability to communicate with other. There kids are busy, the neighbors are busy, and the grand kids are off to college, leaving the elderly home alone, watching television, feeling very lonely.

What our country needs to do, and do it soon is to get to know, those around them; and learn as much about them as you can; so that you may trust them.

Let us rebuild the Good Ole Neighborhoods.