Day 2186 Embracing Change

​

Sad day in my neighborhood as my favorite neighbor packs up to move. I suppose it’s also a happy day, since she and her fiancé are moving in together, getting married this fall, and the move puts her at least an hour closer to her job. But for me, selfishly...I hate it and will miss her.

She’s been right next door for at least fifteen years, there for that emergency cup of sugar or whatever either of us needed. I’ve watered her plants, brought in her mail and packages, and always had a key to her place, for those just in case moments.  My hidden key became a go-to for her daughter anytime she was locked out, and there have been family members and cleaning ladies who retrieved it as well. Good neighbors are not easy to come by, and anyone who has one knows what a treasure they are.

Bethany has always called me her #1 neighbor since I’ve been there for her in a pinch, but the feeling has been mutual. It certainly helps that we became great friends, her sliding seamlessly into my B team. And I love it when girls’ night is at her house, making my walk home one to be envied.

I’m sure we’ll still see each other, although not as often. She might have just become an overnight guest. Since she’ll now live over an hour away, she may want to crash here when she goes out in this neck of the woods.

U-Hauls mean change… and change can be both good and bad wrapped up in the same event. Now I’m left wondering who will move in next door. Doubtful they’ll hold a candle to Bethany, but I’m eager to see. I do wonder how they’ll take it when I let them know I’m always granted a key to their place, just in case I need something while they’re not home. Bethany and I laughed at the idea of me telling them this. Whatever the case, like most things, time will tell.

I do wish Bethany much happiness and can’t wait for a fun wedding celebration. She’s beginning such an exciting new chapter, and I’m grateful I’ve had a front-row seat to so many of the previous ones. Here’s to love, new beginnings, and friendships that distance can’t diminish.

If you’re looking for a basement cat update… Tim and I (mostly Tim) discovered the cat won’t come out if the TV is on. She’s afraid of the voices but somehow doesn’t mind loud music. What the heck? She really is Tim’s cat! While we sat in the family room watching TV, waiting for her to appear, she stayed hidden behind the water heater. But as soon as that TV went off… there she was again!

She’s warming up a little more each day. I suggested buying a few cat toys since she seems eager to play, and I wasn’t surprised when Tim said he had already ordered a bunch online and they’d arrive the next day. I love seeing how much he loves our new cat, especially after he told me I had brought home a dud. I’m glad they’re warming up to each other. Soon enough she’ll be exploring the rest of the house, as long as those darn televisions stay off! Maybe she’s sick of listening to the still-unsolved Nancy Guthrie case… ugh! Where is she??? I might have to turn on the news with closed captioning, since I'm still anxious for any updates....oh, the things we do for our pets. Looks like I'll be embracing change all around.

“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” ~ Charles Darwin