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Heartwings Love Notes 792 - Memories of a Very Special Neighbor

Heartwings says, "A friendly neighbor is a treasure to cherish."

I was recently able to get back in touch with a former neighbor from a time when her children and mine were young and we lived in a small town on the North Shore of Boston. In our suburban neighborhood, while we both had nice lawns and gardens, our houses were only a few yards apart. Some days when I was upstairs, even without the windows being open I could hear her playing her recorder. A musician and an artist by avocation, she had a dachshund that she had taught to accompany her when she played happy birthday on the piano.

We were able to share only a couple of phone calls in the few months I had rediscovered her. I wish we had had more time to get reacquainted. Now has come the news that she has passed on. Memories of our years as neighbors flood back to me. One favorite is the time I was grilling a boned leg of lamb on my charcoal grill in the back yard only to look out and see her German shepherd running off with it in his mouth. She bravely rescued it from him, cooked it for her family and give me another leg of lamb that was even then roasting in her oven. Many times after that over cups of tea we laughed together, remembering.

Our children played with each other in our yards and she shared produce from her garden with me. Generous with her time and energy, she taught me a lot about sewing, and helped me when I was stuck trying to do something too advanced for my sewing machine skills. She helped me out when my younger children were born, brought food and kept me company. I was sad when she sold her house and moved away. Later after he was grown and on his own she took in my late son and as he helped her with hers, taught him a lot about gardens and gardening. I was very grateful to her for her kindness to him.

No matter how long someone you may cherish lives--and she was 92 when she passed on, it is never long enough to do and say all the things you wish you had done and said. I have to be content with what remains of my memories and of the conversations we had before she went to her final rest. She was a very special friend as well as a wonderful neighbor and I am sure many besides me have fond memories of her. A giving, sharing person, she set a good example for everyone who knew her. She lived a kind and caring life, and will I am sure continue her loving ways now that she has her angel wings.

May you have happy memories of your neighbors and your neighborhoods.
 

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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