“Imagine what our real neighbourhoods would be like if each of us offered, as a matter of course, just one kind word to another person.” – Mr. Rogers.
The Gazette receives numerous letters to the editor every week, most of them from readers voicing their opinions on the news of the day. But every now and then we receive a memorable letter that touches the heartstrings and reminds us how precious life is and how well off most of us are.
Just before Christmas there was a letter from a young woman writing about how she had lost the spirit of Christmas.
About a month ago there was one from a young mother who wrote about how valuable the food bank was in providing necessary essentials to her and her family. It almost brought tears to the eyes.
This week we received another. It’s published on the letters page, written by a man who expresses his appreciation for the friendship and help of a neighbour and, now, how much the neighbourhood will miss the man, suffering from terminal cancer, when he is gone.
The letter is a reminder of how important it is that we each remember and appreciate our neighbours; those who live next door, or down the street, or anywhere in the city. We are all neighbours and every now and then there are reminders of how much neighbours do help each other: shovelling the walk and driveway of those unable to do so in the winter, mowing their lawn in the summer; picking up a neighbour's mail and papers when they're away; offering a ride when they need it; or maybe something as simple as sharing coffee and conversation with them.
The easy way to create a friendly neighbourhood environment is by being a good neighbour. That doesn't mean you have to go out of your way to be nice, it just means behaving decently, being friendly. A simple hello can go a long way.
As we head into spring and summer, shake off the winter doldrums and get back onto the decks and patios, resume those leisurely evening walks and again carry on conversations over the fence, or maybe organize a block party, it is also time to think about being a good neighbour.
As one Internet poster wrote:
“Being a good neighbour means being courteous and respectful. This means keeping your yard and home tidy, cleaning up any messes made by your dogs or children and keeping the noise to a minimum, especially during the late evening and early morning hours.
“Another way to create a friendly neighbourhood environment is to let everyone know that you are there if they need them. Furthermore, if you notice your neighbour is struggling with something that you happen to be good at, offer some advice. Do not be condescending or rude about it – just inquire to see if they could use your assistance.”
Simple, everyday things that, in the end, do make a difference. St. Albert may be a wealthy community, but we should never forget that Danish proverb: No one is rich enough to do without a neighbour.
