|
 It
is true that the more the world changes the more it stays the same.
Back in 1977, I became a single mom with a one-year-old and a
six-year-old. I was to experience back-to-back years of horrible
blizzards that are still fresh in my mind. There is no way in the
world I would have survived without my dear friends. Especially the
Kemp family. It seems odd to call them friends, as I consider them
family after all their years of devotion and support to my family.
Back then I had no way of shoveling, scooping, or digging my way out
of not only the blizzards but life in general. With the help of
friends, I not only survived but went on to meet my wonderful
husband, Mac, and lead a peculiarly pleasant life.
Winnie the Pooh said, “If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not
together…there is something you must always remember. You are braver
than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you
think. But the most important thing is even if we’re apart…. I’ll
always be with you.”
Singer/actor Robert Breault, “Say what you want about aging, it’s
still the only way to have old friends.” I love that quote. Think
and ponder upon it.
Fast forward to 2025 to our Thanksgiving blizzard. My children were
here for the holiday. Chris gloriously cooked, Randi brought sides,
granddaughter, Evie, totally entertained and enthralled us all with
her five-year-old adorability. Getting home from Central Illinois to
southern Indiana was not for the faint of heart. I have such a
problem sitting at home and envisioning my family driving in
inclement weather. I want to text/call constantly if they are ok.
How dumb is that? That’s what they need on top of being in a
whiteout…. nervous nelly Mom calling. I had to keep busy to keep
from calling them. I must admit I felt better after calling my
prayer warrior pals….and they did a good job because my little brood
got home fine.
I stared out the window at the squall. My first snowstorm without my
Mac. I wondered how in the world I was going to dig my way out. I’m
too arthritic to scoop, too unfamiliar with how to use our
snowblower, knowing my neighbor that offered help had just had
surgery.
I’m not a snow lover. I agree with the quote, “If you are praying
for a blizzard, please go to Dairy Queen.”
I swept/dug out a racetrack for my dog to run out the back door and
do his business. Trying to find something good in the day, I
realized that the blizzard covered up dog poo quickly. Cool beans!
Imagine my delight when I saw a superhero donned in snow apparel
arrive on a four-wheeler with a blade. He cleaned my driveway with
his ATV then got off and shoveled my drive clean. I was so excited I
was taking pictures to send to my sons…...all-in far-off places…to
witness the miracle. Then I got a text from my neighbor saying he
sent the crusader over because he couldn’t do it. I was in tears of
appreciation.
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I am blessed to have the best neighbors. Good Neighbors Quotes,
“Good neighbors think beyond their property line…...A good neighbor
picks up your package and your spirts…Right next door is a daily
reminder you’re not alone.”
When my Mac would wash the vehicles in the driveway it was like a
neighborhood party. Carl, Rod, and Mike would come over or shout
across the street to one another. They traded advice, jokes,
encouragement, jeers and cheers. It was delightful to watch.
“The difference between a good neighbor and a great one? Cupcakes.”
Joanne makes the most heavenly cupcakes ever. They are so delectable
I don’t even want to swallow. I just let them melt in my mouth and
dissolve down my throat. To quote Mark Twain, “….as delicious as the
less criminal forms of sin.”
Michelle sent over a bowl of the best chili ever. I devoured it. I.
Love. Chili. It brought back wondrous memories of past bowls gone
by. “Chili is not so much food as a state of mind. Addictions to it
are formed early in life and the victims never recover.” Margaret
Cousins.
Two of my neighbors have swimming pools in their back yard. I love
sitting on the porch sipping on an ice-cold drink and listening to
the laughter, screeches, and giggles of them and their guests
enjoying the summer emerging in water.
We all own dogs and love every one of them. “The world would be a
nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally
as a dog.” M. K. Clinton.
Sweet Zeke is our neighborhood Mastiff. He talks to me through his
window screen all summer as I garden. How I love it and expect it.
I’m disappointed if Zeke is napping while I’m tending to my flowers.
Popcorn and Jimmy are always enthusiastic to see me and wag their
entire bodies in excitement. What’s better than that? Lil ole Spot
is getting up there in years and not as active as he once was but as
beloved as ever by the entire neighborhood. We all celebrate a new
puppy in our neighborhood as we all mourn together our furry buddies
running across the rainbow bridge. “Compassion makes the best kind
of neighbor.”
I know I am blessed with these neighbors because I have lived in
many places where they were obnoxious. “It’s exhausting living next
to chaos in human form…...A bad neighbor will hear your silence and
still complain….You can’t reason with someone who thrives on
conflict…Living near them is a full-time job…sometimes the worst
part of home is the neighbor…They’re the reason I Google ‘how to
build a moat.”
Take a good look at yourself as a friend or neighbor and decide how
you want to be identified. Life is short. Don’t be toxic, be iconic.
L. Maxine McQueen may be contacted at
maxmac.1@juno.com |
