“And good neighbors make a huge difference in the quality of life. I agree.” Robert Fulghum
The one word that comes to mind when I think about my childhood neighborhood is “kids.” Lots and lots of them. There were four of us, six next door, five on the other side, three over there, four over there, etc. Again – lots of kids, noise, and FUN!
On my way to a speaking engagement, I drove by my next-door neighbor’s “new” home. They moved out of the old neighborhood thirty years ago, but we still stay in touch. I decided to take some time on the way home to drop in for awhile. What a nice way to spend an afternoon!
I still call this couple “mom and dad,” just like I did when I was a kid. My Facebook friends were probably a little confused when I put a picture of me with my “adopted parents” on my timeline, but I don’t think of them as anything but “bonus” parents to this day.
It’s said that people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. If there are people in your life who were dear to you and with whom you haven’t connected for awhile, why not pick up the phone, send an email or drop by for a visit. Reliving the memories with old friends will be worth the time and the trip!
PS – The family of six kids next door? They’ve given their parents 21 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. They continue to live our childhood experience every holiday!