It is impossible for me to reflect on childhood memories without recalling the neighborhood. How fortunate to grow up during a time when the neighborhood was a vital part of the community.
I remember bike rides, pool parties, picnics, clubhouses, kickball games and enjoying popsicles in the summer evenings. There were hot days spent at the picnic table under the tree with my coloring book & 64 Crayola crayon box, creating pot holders with my loom, or playing with my little wooden people- yes, real wood, how did I survive! Rainy days playing board games such as Sorry, Monopoly or Password. Resting in the afternoon on the hammock with a Nancy Drew book, or- do I dare say- Tiger Beat Magazine.
A place that meant block parties, old couples sitting on the porch waving to children on their bicycles, lawnmowers playing a song in unison, and laundry hanging from clotheslines. Pleasant interruptions to sign for a neighbors package, visit with the Avon lady or let the waterman in the house to read the meter. Children reprimanded by neighbors for misbehaving and children obeyed; there was no blury boundary for inappropriate behavior.
The neighborhood felt as safe as your own backyard. Neighbors became extended family to help nuture the necessary life skills of compassion, respect and kindness. Compassion to accept people's differences. Respect towards all ages, ethnicities and race. Kindness in our actions & communications with members of the community.
“Where there is not community- trust, respect, ethical behavior are difficult for the young to learn and for the old to maintain.”
― Robert K. Greenleaf, Servant As Leader
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