The Neighbor

The moving truck pulled up ten years ago. A new neighbor had arrived on Preslynn.

She was single and very engaging.

We finally met her in March 2020. Almost ten years had passed, and we barely knew her. How could that be? Of course, we exchanged hellos and the requisite neighborly waves, but that was it. We never shared a meaningful conversation, enjoyed a meal together, or even a happy hour cocktail.

And then Covid-19 arrived, and the world stopped. We weren't supposed to leave the house. We definitely couldn't leave the neighborhood. Going anywhere seemed dangerous in those early days. Thankfully there was a silver lining in the madness. A huge silver lining. We met our neighbor.

It turns out our neighbor is from San Francisco. Thank god another Californian; said nobody ever, except a native Californian like me! She became the perfect partner to laugh and snicker at the many oddities of living in Oregon! She brought a rich culture, a colorful history, and a wild assortment of stories and tales. From the Gettys to the Dolbys, she has rubbed elbows with the titans of San Francisco. Best of all, our neighbor is a realtor. So she could sell rain to a Portlander!

We soon realized that our neighbor promised the light of a new connection and meaningful friendship. For too many years, we were busy. Busy in our daily routines. Busy raising kids and always on the go. Making connections can be difficult for those of us on dead-end streets. Something is off. Nobody is ever just passing through. It could be the rainy weather and eight months of pulling into your garage and closing the door.

Our neighbor is a delightfully spry 85-years with a quick wit, engaging laugh, and sharp tongue. She is an avid reader and NYT crossword expert and shares her favorite books freely. She happens to be a fantastic cook, which doesn't suck. From poached salmon to apple tartan to fresh jams, she's a culinary master. Our neighbor knows how to entertain too. Fine china, crystal stemware, placemats, and linen napkins are the norm. She and my wife have become professional ice cream makers along the way. Though I still wait…and wait….for that glorious day when my homemade rocky road arrives. Yet without a doubt, the evening glass of pinot noir or cocktail brought us the greatest joy during many long days and nights of Covid. Regular drinks with the "new" neighbor salvaged the numbness of our never-ending pandemic days. We discussed the day's events and talked about TV, movies, and politics. We laughed a lot. Above all, it was and remains our daily escape from the chaos and gloom of our world.

For safety, during Covid, we always met outside on her front porch. Whether it was a warm summer evening in July or a chilly Friday afternoon in December in parkas and blankets with snow on the ground, we gathered at least four or five days a week. And what else did we have to do? Our kids were long gone, and the dog doesn't drink gin and tonics just yet.

This past year has evolved into a more normal neighbor relationship. Somehow, I fixed the sliding glass door, plunged her toilet, and recently attempted to repair her garage door apparatus. Of course, I can barely operate a flashlight, but getting on a ladder with foreign sensors and remotes seemed logical at the time.

We do airport drop-offs for each other. We share last-minute eggs and milk for baking needs. We gossip about the neighbors but only the neighbors we like. At some point, the women-centric conversation always veers toward cooking or fashion. I get glazed over but stay and smile, knowing this is where I want to be.

Truth is, I would do anything for our neighbor. She has given us so much joy and happiness during a period when we couldn't see our own parents. She became our surrogate parent. What once felt like a neighborly obligation to offer companionship and comfort has become a sacred part of our routine. I didn't see my eighty-nine-year-old father for almost eighteen months or my in-laws living out of state. Our time together with our neighbor brings hope that someone is spending similar quality time with my Dad in San Diego. I will spend time and look in on your loved ones if you do the same?

And isn't that what neighbors are all about?

Covid-19 brought pain and suffering but equally wonderful silver linings. I'm thankful we kept our eyes open amidst the haze and confusion to unwrap the magnificent gift across the street.

Barbara, thanks for your friendship and companionship. Your kindness and generosity have been a true blessing to Whitney and me. We look forward to sharing the next global pandemic together and will always be by your side.