The Folks Across the Street

In just a few more days.

We'll be closing on the sale of our house.

 On Fawnbrook Drive.

Home to my family for almost 22 years!

There's one thing we won't be closing on, however.

Our relationship.

With the folks that live across the street.

They were our neighbors from day one.

They were our age.

I was recently reminded.

When we first moved into that house back in 1993.

But we were busy raising our children.

Busy with work.

Busy with life.

And we didn't take the time.

To invite them into our lives.

As early as I would have liked.

That, I regret.

In recent years.

All that's changed.

They became family.

And we grew to love them.

As did our critter clan.

They were always our go-to grandparents.

For the cats.

And dogs.

When we would go on camping trips or out of town.

Linda can tell you to this day.

The date we put our sweet Tanner down.

They grieved with us over that dog.

And missed her so.

Our dog, Buddy.

Has a fierce love for Mr. Norris.

Countless times.

Norris quietly slipped into our back gate.

To meet with his friend.

And clip on his leash.

And take him for a walk.

Best friends.

Linda has supplied us with many a fresh, home baked cake.

This one was given tonight.

Strawberry lemonade......my husband shamelessly requested it.

And Linda happily provided.

Aside from the pet sitting and the cakes, however.

They've given us much more than we can ever give in return.

I've taken a lot of comfort in having them across the street.

Knowing they were there.

Somehow gave me.

A lot of assurance and peace.

Good people.

The best.

They never had children of their own.

But they've taken on tens of countless others (like us.)

That they've "adopted" through the years.

We've been blessed by their friendship.

By talks on their sofa.

By visits in the driveway.

By the generosity of their hearts.

And their love for my family.

Pets included.

So, it's not goodbye.

We've already offered the extra room in Due West.

And we're talking about a standing lunch date.

At Mig's.

To stay in touch.

Watching Norris & Linda's example all these years.

Caused me to consider tonight.

That I need to be that kind of neighbor to someone on my street.

They've made quite a legacy.

That I won't forget.

Those folks across the street.


I love you both.