You're Not in Mayberry

My daughter and I were shopping last week, early in my first days here.  I said, “well, the neighbors haven't been over yet. I thought they would have come by by now. Maybe even bring something like cookies”. Jo said “Mom. You're not in Mayberry. Your landlord didn't run into the neighbors at the post office and say 'oh, by the way, Robin moved into the house beside you. You remember her? She lived here several years ago.' That didn't happen, mom. They are NOT coming”.

I thought “how sad.”  I believe if I had new neighbors, especially in the country, I would go over and introduce myself. I would take them some cookies. I'd introduce them to Ikey and say “your dog has been over to visit us on occasion already”. I'd say “It is so peaceful out here. I love sitting out on my front porch. Come over in the evenings if you'd like.” I would say “If you need anything, let me know; here's my number”. And then I'd say “It's nice to have you here in the neighborhood.”

Even if it isn't Mayberry.

                                              

“It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood,
A beautiful day for a neighbor.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?...

It's a neighborly day in this beauty wood,
A neighborly day for a beauty.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?...

I've always wanted to have a neighbor just like you.
I've always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.

So, let's make the most of this beautiful day.
Since we're together we might as well say:
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Won't you be my neighbor?

Won't you please,
Won't you please?
Please won't you be my neighbor?” 
― Fred Rogers

“If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.” 
― Fred Rogers

Encourage One Another ... continuing the journey on fresh paths.