Be Neighborly
Have you ever heard anyone from out-of-state brag on West Texas because everyone is so friendly?
You accidentally bump into someone at the grocery store, and instead of it causing a confrontation, you both apologize and move on. You and another car come to a 4-way stop at the same time, and instead of speeding off to beat the other person, you give a simple wave to allow them to move first. You're driving slowly through your neighborhood, pass a neighbor in sight and give a friendly wave. That's just what we do ‘round here, y'all!
The majority of us have a common respect for others around us; especially if you're in the same neighborhood. We're supposed to watch out for each other, alert each other and be neighborly.
In our little neighborhood, you can almost hear when it's nice weather outside. There are bicycles and golf carts cruising the roads; pre-teens are driving up and down the neighborhood roads and alleys on their 4-wheelers and UTVS.
Most of the parents in the neighborhood know their children are safe because there's a good neighbor always watching out. We have filled up tanks of a motorized scooter or small motorcycle when they run out of gas in front of our house. Everyone is generally friendly and respectful.
My family and I cruise around the neighborhood on our golf cart when the weather allows. We see a young family pushing their baby in a stroller down the road and give them a friendly wave and a, “How you doin'?” Some make small talk, some wave back and go along with their business.
With the “times” we are in, and the crazy world we're raising our children in, it's important that we teach our children compassion for one another. Being a good neighbor is a great place to begin, especially if you're planning on being in the same location long-term.
Let's raise our children and grandchildren to be decent adults. Believe it or not, this starts at home. If we teach them to treat our neighbors with respect, it will carry over into other aspects of their lives.
We truly are fortunate to be in such a great neighborhood. As the days get warmer and summer nears, here's just a friendly reminder that there will be increased activity outside. Let's all pull together and keep an eye on the neighborhood children and ensure our little community is as safe as possible.
Be neighborly, y'all!