A Good Neighbor...

       ...is hard to find. They find you, or you find them, by chance. You choose your place, and once you do, you’re stuck with the neighbors, for better or worse.

       We’ve had the good and the bad. 

       I’d rather speak of the good. The bad speak for themselves by their lack of civility, and how their ways intrude on the peace of your life.

       Here in the country, a neighbor is more than someone on the other side of the fence. A good neighbor is a lifelong friend, someone you can turn to or depend on with confidence. He or she will  they’ll do what they can, whatever you ask. A good neighbor always has time for a friendly word, a smile and a wave. Good neighbors become members of your extended family, people you cherish for who they are.

       We lost a good neighbor last week. He fell in his wintry yard, struck his head, and couldn’t get back up as the life bled out of him. 77 years old. Last time I saw him I could see his health was failing. Last time we spoke we shared a laugh, wished each other well.

        I tried to express my sense of loss with these words, in his book

         Our valley will never seem quite as full without him

        but always richer for him having been a part of our lives.

       Rest in peace, Price.