Tuesday, July 24, 2012

I Was Here

Sorry for the radio silence.  One of our neighbors died very unexpectedly last week and I was loath to write about it and become known as the 'death blog". But two deaths in as many weeks have left us shaken.

Our neighbor Ron was the first to welcome us to the neighborhood in 2001 and the first to offer sympathy wishes for Pokey.  In the summer he brought over paper plates of fried green tomatoes and armfulls of peppers and squash and tomatoes.  In the winter it was loaf after loaf of zucchini bread and all the newest movies to watch in a snowstorm.  If one of us was out of town he'd mow our lawns or shovel our driveways.

He  has left behind a wheelchair bound wife, a one and a half year old German Shepherd pup that looks like and has the energy of a kangaroo and many broken hearted friends, co workers and neighbors.
 
I'm reminded of when my father died and my mother was left adrift, not driving or ever having paid a bill.  She had a steep learning curve.

Our neighbor Donna has the same.  But now the bills are all on line, pass words unknown and she is hindered by cerebral palsy.

This is where the rubber meets the road I thought.  This is when you come when called.  This is when we realize how good our lives are and we have no problems.

And thanks to those of you who emailed and wondered how and where I was, this is when I come out of hiding, put down the book and write about my world.  Swear to God the next post will be happier.

xo Jane

16 comments:

  1. Jane, A lovely post to remember someone who touched your life in a simple and meaningful way. It truly is about the little things. Donna is fortunate to have you and GG as neighbors. Thinking about you and your neighbor as the days go by. Bonnie

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  2. The rubber meets the road, indeed. I'm sorry for your loss. Loss is the right word. Donna is lucky that you are aware.

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  3. "This is when we realize how good our lives are and we have no problems." This is a great reminder.

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  4. i am so sorry for your loss and the sad lessons that have followed.
    you always have such a good heart filled with love and kindnss for others.

    and yes,
    we are blessed with just having our everyday problems....
    i will say a prayer for your friends,
    xox

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  5. Beauty and life and death and joy and grief all mixed up - our days are filled to the brim aren't they? I am so very sorry to hear grief has come knocking twice at your door in the last few weeks. Thinking of you and your neighbour, and knowing you will be squeezing those you love that bit closer. Hugs xxx

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  6. Your words are inspirational for when times are troubled. This sounds like a real loss for your little community, and I'm sorry.

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  7. Helping Donna is the best possible thing you can do. If only we could channel all our goodwill to her through you.

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  8. So sad. Your kindness will help.

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  9. Oh, Jane. Such sadness. Donna is going to need someone with your outlook. Take care, Denise

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  10. I remember your comments about Ron in earlier posts. He was a good man and good neighbor to you, and that makes a huge difference in quality of life, knowing there is someone helpful and positive right next door.

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  11. Oh dear Jane, I am so sorry for your loss of such a great friend.

    The only light I can detect is that you and GG are neighbours

    Keeping you in my prayers

    Helen xx

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  12. So sorry your friend is gone, but glad for the many years of good memories you have. A huge hug.. thinking of you.

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  13. Sending you a very large hug. Many of them.

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  14. Life. Don't know what to say. It's very sad.

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  15. No obligation for happiness. I hope your friend's widow is OK.

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