by Suzi George

Created on: July 12, 2009   Last Updated: October 04, 2009

Most often after moving to a new area, you don't really pay attention to your neighbors but for us, the man next door was, shall I say, intriguing. He was nice, waved at us when we left or came home and seemed overall just an average man. He wasn't. His name was simple enough, Joe Smith or at least, that's what he told us his name was.

His business-like casual dress suggested some type of office job that was probably entry level or maybe a little above entry level. On the weekends, he would be outside and offer to play baseball or soccer with the kids. At first, we were somewhat leery. Most grown men without children are suspicious but he wasn't and we were always close by, just in case. After a time, we came to know him well and realized he was incredibly smart, sensitive and had a wicked sense of humor. On one particular weekend, my husband was having some computer problems and Joe offered to help. I made some fresh iced tea and muffins while they worked. Joe impressed us with his knowledge and with the speed in which he fixed the computer. He told my husband it needed more memory and some upgrades. My husband thanked him, offered to pay him but he refused payment.

Time wore on and Joe married a lovely young woman. His job began to keep him a little later at night so his wife, Jane, would come to visit and spend time with our children. Joe always knew when he pulled up in his old Honda that Jane would be with us until he returned home. She shared with us that she hated being in the house by herself. Her company was welcome and the children loved her so it was a win-win situation.

One particular evening, Joe came to get Jane and asked if we could sit and speak with him for a moment. HIs serious tone had us worried at first but we relaxed when we realized he was sharing good news with us.

"My job has afforded me some wonderful opportunities and we are going to be moving," Joe said with a sigh. He was happy but at the same time, you could see he was somewhat sad, almost a bittersweet moment.

"We will miss you but that is fantastic," we told him. I shuddered to think what type of new neighbors we would have but more than that, we'd come to think of Joe and Jane as family. We encouraged them and told them we were proud for them. Moving day came far too soon and sadly., we helped load his things into the moving van.

"We will miss you," I hugged Joe with tear in my eye and a lump in my throat. Joe and Jane looked at one another in silent communication.

"We should tell them," Joe said with a slight nod.

I looked between the two, "Tell us what?"

"My name is not Joe, I've had to use that to protect my identity."

"What, like the witness protection program?" I offered.

Joe threw his head back and laughed a little,"Something like that. Let's just say," he said thoughtfully,."well, my name is actually Bill, my IQ is too high for me to remember and I have a little company that is doing big things but I will never forget you or your family."

I nodded and smiled, "Well, Bill, you'll always be Joe to us."

Bill or Joe, whichever, hugged us again and off they went. When I turned to leave, I stopped dead in my tracks and thought about what he said. There was a company that had a man at the helm named Bill, tall, thin, a wisp of brown hair and wire framed glasses. Could my almost identically described genius next door be that Bill?

Turning back, I watched as the tail lights to the moving van sparkled for a turn then faded away. I smiled to myself knowing I'd been friends with a man who would change the world as we know it, he was truly a genius but to me..he would always be Joe.

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