That Neighborly Thing

Growing up in the Midwest, summer and fall are the most amazing seasons. The summers are usually not too oppressively hot and if it was an extremely hot day you simply get your friends together and go to the public pool in your county, unless of course, you were members of a pool club then you just go there. Your best friends are your neighbors whose parents come over for dinner regularly and your neighborhood has odd traditions from lighting a tree in the middle of the neighborhood at Christmas, parades, picnics, Halloween costume contests, to late night hide and seek. You are probably thinking, “This only happens in the movies.” Where do you think they got the idea from, people? That’s right, Midwest living. Living in a California world I am learning that more Californians keep to themselves either to not offend, gain competition, or just simply don’t want to take the time to get to know you. Our poor neighbors. We moved in and the neighborhood is going to pot. We say “Hello” every time we see a neighbor, remember crazy details like their health, help them when their hands are full, and even smile at them. That’s right, we smile at neighbors and strangers. We even invite them over for either dinner or cocktails sometimes both! In a hand basket, that’s how we’re getting there! I have mentioned the Miyagis before. They are our neighbors directly behind us. They have come over to our house several times for dinner or drinks and we have thoroughly enjoyed their company. Mr. M is the mayor or our neighborhood. He knows everyone and will walk them to our back porch just to introduce us. The first time he returned a plate to our house, he did not return it empty. It had limes on it. I was thrilled! I thought only people in the Midwest did that! Over the course of time the returns would differ. We’d get flowers, limes, homemade Asian food, a major jar of artichoke hearts, and even a bag of stuffing. Last night Mr. M came over and asked if we had any yogurt. Again, thrilled! It was like asking for a cup of sugar! He then explained that Mrs. M had gotten food poisoning. David quickly said that he was headed to the store and would pick up some Gatorade for Mrs. M, which he did. When David got back from the store Mr. M was just outside. David asked what he was doing for dinner and if he’d like to join us. Mr. M was excited and said he’d be right over. About 7 minutes later, Mr. M comes in with a huge vase in the shape of a martini glass. He had cut some of his roses and made a beautiful floating floral arrangement as a thank you. He made a plate to take back to his house, as to not leave his wife alone for too long. Ten minutes later he returned! He wanted to know if we had any leftovers and if so, could he have them for tomorrow’s lunch? We laughed and said, “Absolutely!” I helped him make a to-go container and fill it up. Tonight Mr. M came back over with the plate. Have you ever had one of those moments where you have to ignore a situation or actually dig deep for self-control? I had a moment like that when I accepted the plate back from him. It did not have limes, as I had hoped as we were having Mexican beers with dinner. Instead, it had two very small apples, two fruit cups, two pieces of Asian hard candy, a box of plastic fours, and a box of staples. Yes, staples. *insert wide eyed emoji*I held it together and showed so much gratitude it made my performances as I opened gifts at Christmas at the grandparents look like a roll in an elementary play. As soon as he left, I had a wonderful giggle. I giggle because of the randomness of the gifts, the sweetness of the gesture, the thoughtfulness of his action, and the feeling of “home” it gave me. I can honestly say that I love my neighbors and love the friendship that is budding. I can, also, say that I am so looking forward to sending him home with another plate of food just to see what I get in return the next time!