Most Easterly Neighbor

Ethel, My most Easterly Neighbor

Neighbors are a gift to unwrap 
if we have the courage to knock on the door.

When we moved into our home eighteen years ago, a young couple with three kids lived next door. We soon learned the parents didn’t want new friendships—they were rude, turning away when either of us tried to speak to them. But the children seemed starved for friendships.

Over the four years they lived next door, the kids were in our house many times. The father had problems. The police were at the house too often for comfort. Then one night the family moved out.  

Husband and I prayed for our new neighbor. Then Ethel moved in.

A week later I took her a welcome gift. She didn’t invite me in. She didn’t seem friendly, but Husband encouraged me to visit again. And I did.

At Christmas I took her fruit and a Bible. She apologized for being rude, said she had never had a neighborly neighbor before. I told her she reminded us of my mother in Oregon. We exchanged emails that day.

Not to be nosy, but to make sure she didn’t have problems, I emailed her daily. Her replies let me know she was fine. On one of her emails she signed it, “Your Most Easterly Neighbor.” I replied with a picture of bucking horses signed, “From Kat in the West.”

When Ethel died, I realized how her independence, her humor, and her friendship enriched my life. I always thought I helped her—it turned out the other way around. 

For the whole law can be summed up in this one command:

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14 (nlt)

Still Lionhearted, Kat