Our most enjoyable home was our first home. It was 1973 and we bought in a subdivision that was only two years old. All of our neighbors had moved in at about the same time . We were the first "second" owners. Since everyone had moved in at the same time, they had shared the same experiences and had become friends . On almost every evening, everyone would come outside and congregate after dinner in someones front yard. Most had small children that played together. It was a great time. An impromptu party every night. Most were enjoyed with little or no alcohol.
A few months later another first owner moved away and new owners moved in and became friends with everyone else. Everyone helped to make them feel a part of the neighborhood. It was a time that corporations moved their people a lot and so the "face" of the neighborhood kept changing. Then a different couple moved it. They were right across the street and when they drove up in a Uhaul truck, I walked over to welcome them and offer assistance . They refused . Later, I found out that several other neighbors had offered them help and received a cold response. After they settled in and the neighbors had organized a neighborhood picnic, the new couple was invited , but refused.
Everyone gave up after that and left them alone.
Six months later , I got up one morning and noticed the unfriendly neighbor hadn't left for work. His car was in the drive way with the hood open, and he was peering at the motor. Automobiles were my business, so I walked over to see if I could help. I guess he was desperate because he didn't chase me away. I told him to try to start the engine. When I heard a distinctive clicking sound I knew where the problem was. He admitted that he didn't know anything about the workings of a car and didn't own any tools. I walked across the street and grabbed a few tools. A half of a turn of the nut on the starter solenoid was all it took. His car started. He got out and as he closed the hood he thanked me and apologized for being unfriendly. He said that his company had moved them three times in six years and during the first few moves, they had made friends with their neighbors and then had to move. He said it broke his wife's heart each time, so this time they had decided not to even try making friends. In a way I understood, but thought it was a lousy way to live. Soon after that day, that couple got moved again. We moved a year later, but by that time so many of the original owners had moved that the "soul" of the neighborhood was lost. We went back a few time years later and each time found fewer of our friends. We only kept up with one of the neighbors and visited them in Oklahoma a few years ago. Another recently connected through Facebook.
Our currant home is in a cul-di -sac . We made friends with several of our neighbors when we moved in and they have since moved away. More recently a couple leased a home near us. We became friends and their young son started visiting us on a regular bases. He had free reign of our house and one day he left without telling us. I installed a night latch high enough that he couldn't reach it and leave without telling us. I named the latch after him. This couple also moved. First across town and now, another state. Its no fun watching friends move away. However, I won't change. I never forget anyone. Not sure if thats a good thing.
I remember my little friend every time I open my front door and open "his" latch.
