by Joyce M. George-Knight

Created on: September 19, 2009

Who can live totally alone? Nobody that I know. Neighbours and relatives alike need us and we need them. The best way to develop a good relationship is to treat them the way you wish to be treated. Most likely, that would be with kindness, thoughtful deeds, heartfelt greetings and watching out for one another.

For many years we lived next door to a retired high school teacher. She was widowed prior to our purchasing our house. None of her relatives lived nearby. I'll call her Mrs. Smith.

Mrs. Smith kept to herself. When getting in and out of her car, if we were outdoors, she'd wave and greet us. Other than that, initially, she minded her own business. I felt this was somewhat standoffish and wasn't certain how she felt toward neighbours. One day I walked over and spoke with her. She expressed the pleasure in our having moved in next door and she very much enjoyed watching our two children play in the back yard.

Over the years, we'd have coffee at each other's homes. Mrs. Smith would invite our children over for cookies and a chat. She'd read them stories or simply listen to their talking. Never in a rush, Mrs. Smith was perhaps the most patient individual I've ever met. As our family grew, she became closer and closer to us. Our children thought of her as another grandparent and included her in family gatherings and events. She delighted in being includes, but was cautious to excuse herself and leave, so as not to over stay her visit or interfere with other family members.

When our youngest child was born, Mrs. Smith was on call to stay at our home with our other four children until my parents could get there. My babies delivered quickly and I didn't have time to wait. Yes, Mrs. Smith was closer to our family than many of our relatives were. She'd bake goodies and bring them over. We'd grocery shop and pick up items she needed.

It's been over twenty years since Mrs. Smith passed away. I still miss that charming little lady. She taught me to speak my mind honestly and not to be fearful of simply being me. While my family benefited tremendously from her nearby presence, I often felt sad that her own daughters and grandchild did not have that opportunity. It's too bad they lived so far away, since her granddaughter would have benefited immensely from a close connection with her.

Through having developed such a good relationship with Mrs. Smith, our children learned the art of being neighbourly and that relatives did not have to carry the same blood lineage.

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