I suddenly realized that I will be losing something that has come to be very dear to me in the past two years.
It took a while to get used to having people around that were looking out for my family. The first time Mr. M came to my door, knocked briefly and entered without waiting for me to say 'Come in' took me by surprise. But I have come to understand that that's how it goes around here. If the front door is open, you are welcome to come in. The knock is just a warning sound, so I don't turn around from the kitchen sink and find someone standing right there.
And over time, I realized that I have the same freedom. So I do. Walk two doors down, knock briefly, and enter the house that has become so familiar with a gentle call of 'Hello!'
Any time I need an egg or two, a cup of flour or whatever, I go shopping at the 'M' general store, as I have come to call it. I never take advantage. I always replace whatever I've borrowed. But these people have come to be like grandparents for my kids, in a world where grandparents are scarce.
The first time she came down here to cry and tell me that he was so sick that she was afraid, I held her while she cried, and prayed with her.
And the other day, as I was leaving, she said the words I already knew.
"Love you!"
There are few people in life who accept you for who you are.
I'm sorry to be leaving these particular neighbors.
And I'm glad we are not moving too far for visiting.
2 comments:
That is so special!!
(I need to adopt some grandparents for my kids!)
That's a rare blessing, to have neighbors like that...They don't make 'em like that anymore.
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