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