What a wonderful feeling, getting to know my neighbors. The gem of an idea came to me: what if I introduced myself to my neighbors? I drafted a letter, sharing how long I’d lived in the neighborhood: way back when there were mostly gardens. Two very large farms were up the road and across what is now a busy route leading to the Mass Pike. I named who used to live in their houses when I first moved into old Mr. Sanda’s house. He, and his wife when she was alive, owned a huge St. Bernard dog named Roxie.
Using repurposed envelopes from bills, I tucked my descriptive letter in every mailbox on my street. I was careful to follow after the regular mail was delivered.
A few days went by. Then I found a letter taped to the floor on my front porch. As the weeks went by I received ten wonderful letters! I exchanged one of my books for a loaf of home made pumpernickel bread. We shared what we had been doing during the pandemic isolation that brought us some joy. One neighbor who spent time in Florida sent a response via his daughter. I laughed aloud as he explained he wasn’t as old as me, but had lived in the neighborhood years before me: even when we were both kids! There were more exchanges and sweet connections that put joy in my heart while enduring this pandemic. Precious!
Gems and Jewels 