Being a neighbour

Neighbours - Philippe and Kathi

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I went last evening to a different but still familiar Anglican service. It was done in the Celtic tradition and the singing was very nice.


At the time of the sermon, we were encouraged to share with a pew mate about experiences of being a neighbour. I shared with a friend whom I have just gotten to know in the last year. We both had interesting ones to share - both good and bad. Living in an apartment and living in a house are different experiences and I have done both.


I talked about my current and past neighbours since I have been living in my house. On one side there is a family with 4 young children. During the summer it was quite noisy but now they are all at school - even the youngest so it is quieter. I notice this more that I am retired and at home during the day.

I remember fondly the neighbours I had when I first moved into my house. They moved in at the same time that I did. They were very supportive and friendly. When they moved to the countryside some years ago the wife gave me a big hug and said - you have been a good neighbour. This made me stop and think - how are you a good neighbour?




Respecting each other's space, not playing loud music, saying hello when you pass by - these are some simple ways of being a good neighbour.



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My mom had neighbours who were both good and more difficult. The good ones were there for her when she was not so well in the later years of living alone in her house. They were the ones who took her to the hospital and more than once too.



They took in her mail when she was away. They cut the grass and shovelled the snow. All those little things that you appreciate as you get older.

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I remember my neighbours when growing up. We lived in the French speaking area of town so the children went to different schools. There were lots of children in the neighbourhood - , our only first cousin 2 doors over, 3 next door, 3 across the street, 2 other families that were cousins - 11 in 1 family and 7 in the other!! (I think I am right - only Kathi would know!)

Later on - there was a family of 4 girls across the street. There were 2 close to my age. One of the older ones wanted to improve her English.

I played with these children from the age of 3 to 13 when I went away to boarding school in Montreal.