I was raised on Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. We watched it on a television that required an antenna. There was something so inviting about the song and the feeling he created with every episode.
As I grew up, I observed that people would criticize children's television shows for one reason or another, but Mr. Rogers always had big defenders in any crowd. His kindness not only touched others, he brought people together.
Being country, our closest neighbors were Case and Gladys Corbin and the Kreuger family. We shared a "party" telephone line. We had so much fun when Case and Gladys would have their grandchildren out at the farm. Todd, Brent, Diane and Denise were close to the same age as April and I were. We never had the experience of neighbors next door, but we could find companionship across the road on some of the long summer days when the Corbin grandchildren came to stay and play.
In our house in Peoria, Miss Melba, Mark S. and Mark D. were some of Chase's first favorite playmates. There were no children, but our neighbors acted like grandparents and doting uncles.
Once we made the move to Morton, we enjoyed neighboring with my lifelong friends, Tom and Lana, for a season when we were newlyweds. Our forever home... or at least for 27 years landed us with the best of neighbors. We raised our children here, together. In a time when children were already spending a great deal of time watching video games, we were the mean parents that promoted outdoor play until dark when we could. In fact, the kids learned to appreciate a rainy day because they could play inside... but only if invited in by the Mom.
One house began with the Winkels... followed by the Moschels... and now the Ackermans have made that house their home for decades. One house has brought us three rich and beautiful friendships... all because of proximity.
Susie would make cookies... and pass out cookie dough to those who wanted some. We kept snacks on hand. Our kids are still blessed with Susie cookies on their birthdays.
A good neighbor is more than an acquaintance. They are the people who share our joys and our sorrows.
Savor your neighbors today.
"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” -John 13:34-35
Today, I am grateful for good neighbors.
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