Giving Thanks, Thanksgiving, Our Neighbors

My 26 days of Thanksgiving continues:

24. I am thankful for the gift of our neighbors.

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I've mentioned our home previously but what always comes with a home is the people, the neighbors that surround it. We live in a suburb north of Orlando. Currently, our nearest neighbors--next door on either side of us and across the street--are the ones we know the best and have developed relationships with. We have had two sets of next-door neighbors who trashed their home and yard (thankfully they have moved), and now everyone who is nearby is very considerate of everyone else. All of us have shared two outdoor neighborhood cookouts this summer as well as an ice cream social. In December we usually host a Christmas caroling party. Everyone brings something to share and we sing carols to those around our block. It's always a fun time together. Sometimes we exchange gifts, sometimes we don't, but it's the pleasure of company that is important.

We don't have a Neighborhood Watch sign up but we all really do watch out for each other. If we forget to close our garage door, someone will call us to remind us to do so. If my husband's car is seen on weekdays, someone will generally call and ask if he's sick. We share produce and other food when we have too much (i.e. fruit trees, gardens) and help one another if we know of the need. There is one young family across from us whom we have seen their two children born and grow up. I have taught piano lessons to many in the neighborhood through word of mouth. They in turn, have watched our sons grow up, play basketball, ride bikes, cut lawns, etc.

I am thankful for these dear people, their kindness and the pleasure of their company.