Time - written in November, 2012

Today was unusually warm for the end of November, so I took advantage of the sunshine and got to work outside. Baby Thomas (now nearly 13 months old) was waddling along the driveway while our dog Lola jumped beside him and then would run around the yard and scatter leaves. It's nice living in a culdesac because I don't worry about traffic zooming by our house and the neighbors are very considerate when coming and going.

I was sweeping the porch when I noticed one of my neighbors leaving her home and heading towards her car. Her husband recently died and I had been meaning for quite some time to offer my condolences. I would see her husband every day come home from work. He was a quiet man and he kept to himself. He never looked up when I drove by and waved. I never heard a hello from him in the 4 years we have lived here. At Christmas time when I'd knock and bring a plate of goodies, it was  his wife who answered and she would always ask me to remind her of my name. That was the extent of my conversations with both of them for the most part.

I'm much closer to all my other neighbors and converse with them regularly. Over the years we've become quite fond of them and have enjoyed living by each of them. I always felt bad that I didn't have more contact with the older couple but had been told by other neighbors that it was normal for them to keep to themselves.

I smiled and waved at her, she smiled back. I felt the urge to go across the street and visit with her but thought it best to let her go about her business.  Then Lola suddenly noticed her and bolted towards her. I ran after her but by the time I reached the two of them, Lola had already jumped several times  and nearly knocked her over. I apologized for Lola but suddenly found myself face to face with her and I couldn't just walk away without speaking about her loss. She was gracious, soft spoken and very kind. As we ended our conversation, I hugged her and as I was about to return home she reminded me to enjoy my little one because time is so precious. I was grateful we spoke.