A Tribute

In my kitchen, I have old cinnamon raisin bread wrapped in saran and nestled in an Avon bag that I can’t bring myself to throw away. Our precious elderly neighbor, Ms. Rowlfs, made it for us last Monday, a common gesture we’re gladly used to. But what I’m not used to is death – Ms. Rowlfs quietly passed away Tuesday evening.

When Matt and I began searching for our house, we had a list of things we wanted (at least two bedrooms, a nice backyard) and things we didn’t want (carpet). Those were items we could somewhat control in our purchase. We also knew how great it would be to have a good community of neighbors, so we earnestly prayed for neighbors we could learn and grow to love. We prayed for our future neighbors the entire time we searched for a house.

Ms. Rowlfs lived next door to our right. She was 88 years old and full of spunk. She was honest, kind, independent, and loving. There’s a worn path between our front doors from the consistent exchange of food and greetings and Taylor sniffing her porch flowers. I have fresh-picked strawberries in my refrigerator that I normally would have split with Ms. Rowlfs – she would have given them back in a pie. That’s my kind of community: a community that simply gives of each other, to each other.

It’s always funny to see how God responds and provides for our needs. It’s never quite what we imagine, is it? When Matt and I prayed for our neighbors, I fully hoped for young couples to befriend; although we have two great sets of couples as neighbors, it is Ms. Rowlfs who impacted us the most. When I thought I needed more friends, God knew I needed someone to step in and act like family. And for two years, Ms. Rowlfs did just that.

Matt and I made an effort to care for her, as we’d want others to care for our grandparents. Matt always took care of her front and backyard; I gave her flowers and fruit. We both visited with her and gladly accepted her pies and bread. But she gave us more – she taught us how to be the old-fashioned kind of neighbors, she taught us to care for the elderly around us, she showed us strength and independence, and she made us feel that we weren’t thousands of miles away from family, but merely a few steps.

Who me? Complain?

I know I've been a bit on the whiny side lately. And frankly, I feel my whines have been totally justified with the crappy weather, the illness, and my pending unemployment. But, I like myself more when I feel grateful. So, taking a cue from one of my favorite people in the world, here's my list of things that make me happy. (Because I actually AM happy. )

My sister is visiting in less than one week, and she'll be here for eight full days. I am just so overcome with excitement!! I can't wait to see her again, to laugh and be totally immature with her. There is no better sister than Steph, and she's all mine for EIGHT DAYS.

I'm the 3s room leader at my church, and my love for this ministry and my kids grows each week. I'm thankful for all my little friends who make me laugh and smile and are so excited to color with me. I love the stories they share from their little lives about gardening and monsters and mom and dad. They are a breath of fresh air.

Being able to teach this past year was the most unexpected surprise. There were plenty of tough moments and plenty of tears from stress, but it was always the best job for me, and I never doubted that. I am grateful that when my seniors left, I was so sad to see them go.

And even though I'm 5 days away from unemployment, I'm hopeful. I am grateful.

!!!

I'm over my HCD, so it's time to move on. I am a bit grumpy, though. It's mainly due to the weather, which was so lovely a few weeks ago but now all I can think is PORTLAND IS A BITCH. Sometimes, when I'm driving or watering my garden or walking into my school, I flip off the weather. It's the only way I know how to fight back. In a few weeks, our weather will be absolutely perfect, and I'll apologize to Portland and come running back into its arms, but MY GOD, PORTLAND, YOU ARE A BITCH!