Who is my Neighbor?

 

Fred Rogers made his mark on our culture by asking the question, “Won’t You Be my Neighbor?”

I have interacted with those who live on my street by delivering baked goods from time to time, smiling and waving when I drive by them, or chatting briefly on the sidewalk if we are outside. They have watched our house when we were away, let us know when water flooded our front yard and brought soup when I was in cancer treatment. We are neighborly.

But I have recently seen the real Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood in a small apartment complex of one-story units with flowers, bar-b-que pits and personal touches in the three feet of “yard” outside each door and built around a courtyard that includes a swimming pool and a picnic area. 

My daughter and my granddaughter live in this neighborhood.

Sara lived there first and shared that the families in the courtyard were friendly. Maybe even more friendly than a young introvert could handle. They often cook outside their apartments and invite her to share their meals. When Martin went by to pick up a delivery on her doorstep, he was a bit intimidated by the people who stepped out to keep and eye on him until he explained that he was the grandfather following instructions. Children feel comfortable leaving their floats and toys in the pool area knowing their things will be safe. Even Paco, the chihuahua next door, seems to play well with Sara’s black lab, Chewie.

When Stephanie was looking for a new home, Sara encouraged her to get an apartment in the same courtyard.

The management was friendly and welcomed her, excited that Sara’s Mom was joining the family. The neighbors brought her a fajita plate the first night she was there. And everyone greets her when she comes and goes.

When Stephanie and Sara were both on an extended vacation to Yosemite National Park, Stephanie received a call on her cell phone from the manager of the complex. Nancy (the manager, not the Nana) explained that several residents were worried that they had not seen Sara or Chewie for some time and wanted assurance that they were alright. They were assured.

I made a trip to the apartment office recently to drop off school supplies. Seems the management provides back packs for every child in the complex (42 for those who want to know) and invites residents to contribute supplies to fill the backpacks. I was pleased to be part of this neighborly effort.

Jesus once told his followers a story about a good neighbor, asked us who our neighbors are, and commanded us to love those neighbors. In his example, neighbors are not just the people who live in your courtyard, but they are certainly included.

For Halloween, the complex management provided hot dogs, the landscapers brought pumpkins, one resident baked cupcakes, another made a pinata. We showed up with our popcorn cart and a couple of grandchildren.  There was dancing, laughing, and trick-or-treating around the courtyard.  

It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood.