Neighbors

Last night we had a chance to gather with some neighbors.  I had met in a few times in passing a fellow stay at home mom, Jenna, and her son, Mason.  And I knew that an older brother of a high school classmate lived down the street with his family.  And we knew another family through church.  But Jenna coordinated a gathering of some of us younger families to come for a barbeque.  It was a beautiful evening, and the fellowship (and food!) were what I needed.  I have been trying to find my place – both in the community and as a stay at home mom – and this gave me a few more connections to have.  The kids – 5 in all – played between yards, pushed strollers, rode bikes, and got to know each other as only 2, 3, 4, and 8 year olds can do.  Poor Ellie was relegated in the adults section.  As long as she got some puffs or cheerios and a little attention, she did okay.  This is pretty much her most of the time (taken earlier in the day, but depicts her life nonetheless), but she doesn’t look like she minds it!

Jeremy left after the apple crisp with a very tired Ellie, and Madison and I stayed to play and talk a little longer.  We were sent home with a new (old) trike for Madison to grow into and a “pusher stick” (read: old hockey stick) to use so we don’t have to bend over to push her on the sidewalk.  I tried it on the way home, but the girl has to learn to steer before you can really use it! 

As we walked down the sidewalk, my little socialite asked to go say hi to an older gentleman working in the yard.  I hesitated, but did say to him that it looked like he had quite a project going on.  I learned he had to add tile around his house because they were getting water in the basement.  His wife came out and asked our names and if we had a garden (seems to be a common question around here).  I said that we didn’t.  She invited us in to get some tomatoes; this made Madison happy as she had wanted to go into the house as soon as I made contact.  Well, I shared my recipe for the barley salad I had made.  And she shared her garden – cucumber, red pepper, green beans, cantaloupe, tomatoes, homemade applesauce, and some loaves of bread.  I invited her down anytime.  Her generosity was a blessing of neighborly love.  She (and her husband) were so welcoming.  It makes me want to be a little more like that. Madison and I marched home in the dark loaded down with food, toys, and a feeling of community.