Good Neighbours

SEPTEMBER 28 - National Good Neighbor Day

We hear a great deal about conflict and suffering in our cities and towns, as well as in many far-off places. We also know that in many of these places, there are countless stories of "good neighbors." These are the people who step up in the face of need and do good deeds. Most of them do not make the headlines. Therefore, I am writing this blog to call attention to these good deeds that go unnoticed, yet make life a little easier for us or someone else.

I have a little story about a neighbour of mine.  We needed to replace the storm door at the front of our condominium.  The neighbour had us examine the door on his place and said he could order one like it and then install it for us.  Other then the cost of the door which we paid for, all the labour and time were generously offered by this good neighbour.  He checked with us each step of the way, and worked very quietly doing this deed and then came back to see if we were satisfied at the end of the process.  He asked for nothing and was glad to help.

This deed and so many other countless good deeds seemingly unnewsworthy, that actually make the world go around. Look around you today or tomorrow. There are many neighbors around us who could benefit from us being a "good neighbor".

Welcome all these moments – they are moments of grace in which God is among us.

- Joan Atkinson, CSJ

Images: Unsplash/Christian Stahl

National Good Neighbour Day

Originally, National Good Neighbor Day was created in the early 1970s by Becky Mattson of Lakeside, Montana. In 1978. United States President Jimmy Carter issued Proclamation 4601: “As our Nation struggles to build friendship among the peoples of this world, we are mindful that the noblest human concern is concern for others. Understanding, love, and respect build cohesive families and communities. The celebration has since become one of international significance.

Using the occasion of Good Neighbor Day has facilitated for me a most delightful trip down memory lane. Many past good neighbours popped into mind. Let me introduce you to a few.

Mrs. M. our next-door neighbour about 65 yr. ago was very good to 5 yr. old me. What defined good in the mind of this child? Well, she and I traded bird, flower, and animal cards from Red Rose tea. I always ended up with a full set and at that age I couldn’t imagine why she always traded her singletons. Though the cards have long since been donated, her kindness and fun have always stuck with me.

In Ottawa in the 70s many young children neighbours would knock on our door to see if I would come out to play. They wanted to play football because they had seen me walk up the street with one, a gift for the coming weekend. We had great fun until I took a tumble and then they became my caregivers, bringing me dandelion bouquets. Their reaching out to me, then and now, is one significant definition of good neighbour.

Most recently, I have young neighbours on both side of me. We all enjoy gardening and so often chat over the fence and exchange veggies. At most, they are half my age so their interest and willingness to engage with this white-haired lady brings me joy and awareness of what is important to the youth of the day. Their help with the heavy lifting doesn’t go unnoticed.

I often pray in the yard and am stilled by the birds, squirrels, rabbits, the cool breeze, and the shade of the maples. These too are good neighbours and ask only that I watch, listen, and learn from them.

Are all neighbours good? I guess it depends on your definition.

Are all neighbours, near or far, dear? Absolutely! May we pray for and enjoy all your neighbours and strive to be good ones.

-Maureen Condon, CSJ Associate