When neighbours become friends

This was not an easy winter. It was the pandemic winter for half the world. Many of us struggled as the days got shorter. In addition to the pandemic, this winter gifted me an additional challenge. I fell in early December and broke my wrist. With the timing of the fall (2 weeks before Christmas) and delay in getting surgery, I spent a lot of time at home, on sick leave. 

Walking therapy

There was one wonderful outcome from being home all those weeks, however. I reconnected with neighbours. With nowhere to go, and nothing to do, I set out to do daily walks. Some days, I took multiple walks. The cabin fever was pretty bad. 

Thank goodness for those walks. Not only did walking help distract me from near-constant pain, but it also allowed me to catch up with my wonderful neighbours, some of whom I hadn’t seen in ages. It had been a long time since I’d had any kind of meaningful conversations with many of them. So, we’d head towards the lake to walk, talk, laugh, commiserate. Many of us have dogs and the doggos just added to the joy of the walks. It was a balm for all our tired and weary souls.

Home, sweet home

We’ve lived in this neighbourhood for almost 30 years. That’s over half my life, which blows me away. This is home in every sense of the word. Our kids grew up here. They went to the local elementary school. Over these years, we have enjoyed this beautiful community. When the kids were little, we joined the local pool and volunteered our time and skills as needed. We also befriended our neighbours. We organized summer BBQs and Christmas Wine and Cheese get-togethers. One year, we organized a street party. 

Over the years, we have celebrated many New Year’s Eve, Canada Days, apple picking, and countless other outings with neighbours who have become dear friends.

Twenty years ago, my wonderful friends in the neighbourhood were angels as I dealt with my mom’s terminal cancer diagnosis, a fire at our home, a car accident and many other stressful events. My loving, kind neighbours stepped in and helped me navigate the most difficult year of my life. I can’t imagine having to live through those dark days without my amazing friends in the neighbourhood.

Then life got in the way, as it has a way of doing. I was very fortunate to be able to work part-time when the kids were small, but as they grew up, I felt the pull to work full-time. This meant a lot less time in the neighbourhood. So, for years the neighbourliness has consisted of having quick chats during the nicer weather, and waving as we drive by in winter. 

New friendships

But, this winter changed that. Every time I stepped out, there was someone out walking. Young and young at heart, everyone was out for their daily walk. Along the way, I rekindled old friendships and forged new ones. We started texting each other to catch up. We didn’t always get a chance to walk together, but we kept in touch all through the long, cold winter. I also realized that this was the winter of the broken wrist. There were at least four of us who either broke a wrist or had someone close to us who did. We commiserated and compared treatment options.

Strength in numbers

In addition to exchanging the usual pleasantries, we’d talk about local issues. It soon became apparent that many of us had issues with the municipal water. As a matter of fact, many of us had had issues for years. Although we’d complained to the city, our complaints went unanswered. Not any more. We decided to band together and write emails as a group of 30 homeowners. Finally, we started to see results. We met with city officials and finally, after years, our water issues are getting resolved. 

Celebration!

Once this stupid pandemic is over, we’re organizing a neighbourhood party. There will be lots of delicious food and wine. We will hug, talk, and laugh. We will celebrate our renewed friendships. That day can’t come soon enough.