Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for creating a place to share our Slice of Life. Read more slices or add you own here.
Twenty-three years ago we built our house next to my in-laws on a dead end street. At that time we were surrounded by elderly people. As we had children and as they grew up, they would visit our neighbors. There was Jan across the street, Pat and Lee behind us, and Glen on the corner. I am sure our children brought each of them a little smile and a daily dose of sunshine.
Some of the neighbors have passed on while others have moved closer to their own children due to health reasons. Our neighborhood has changed dynamics. We now have five year old Lizzie behind us, two year old Courtney on the corner, seven year old Lane and the newest kids, Zoe and Sam across the street. New children have arrived to provide the smiles and sunshine.
And we have become the "old" neighbors.
Now, Courtney, while running barefoot in the grass, waves to Dave as he rides his bike up the path. Lizzie brings us cherry tomatoes from her garden and "baby" pine cones from under the hemlock tree. Lane draws us pictures for the refrigerator and "works" with Dave in the yard, and Zoe and Sam create and play in imaginary places on our bridge in the ditch.
Maybe being on the other side is not so bad after all.
A change in perspective can sometimes be a good thing.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy their smiles. And energy!!!
And the circle of life continues!
ReplyDeleteWe are reading Tuck Everlasting in class and yes, the circle of life continues.
DeleteLove hearing this, Leigh Anne. Before I moved from our house of many years, our street had changed too. It's a special thing, I agree.
ReplyDeleteAnd life goes on as Elsie commented. The cyclic rhythm of life is evident in neighborhoods. I do love seeing little children on our street again. It was great stopping by your post, Leigh Anne. Glad that you have rekindled you love of writing.
ReplyDeleteRamona, My life in my home has taken the same trajectory. I was the youngest gal on the block with little ones and now I am one of the oldest. Isn't life grand.
ReplyDeleteI love these stories from your neighborhood, Leigh Anne, always a warm and welcoming place, then and now.
ReplyDeleteI will remember this! Our boys are teenagers; but the neighbors' kids are only 4 and 2. Our neighborhood is changing. Thanks for paving the way with your fresh insight!
ReplyDeleteThis makes me chuckle - how quickly life seems to "put us on the other side"! This has happened in our neighborhood as well. We're definitely the "old" people! ;-) The kids use our front yard to sled down in the winter because it's on the only hill.
ReplyDeleteLove this change of perspective! A positive view from the top of the hill. ;-)
ReplyDeleteLove this change of perspective! A positive view from the top of the hill. ;-)
ReplyDelete