I miss Neighbors & Nabors. Who could forget the lovable Gomer Pyle that Jim Nabors brought into our homes every week.
Actually, what I miss even more is neighbors... When did our society really hit the crapper? This last weekend my son Clay and I were working in our wood shop making crosses for Clay's Grandfather (Dan Cahill) who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Dan is a father of fourteen children and has always taken great comfort in his relationship with his family and his God..
Clay wanted to make something special for his Grandfather so we have been working the last two weekends making crosses for Dan and his Children.
On Saturday afternoon Clay and I took a much deserved break to enjoy the weather and set up our targets to do some target shooting in our back yard. About fifteen minutes later two Kane County Police Officers were in my driveway.
Yes, I do live in the County and am outside of the city limits and two sides of our property back up to hundreds of acres of farmland. As soon as I saw the officers they started laughing. You see, I am the Chaplain of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club and personally knew these officers. They informed me that my neighbor had called the police and asked that I be arrested for shooting.
We spent a few moments reviewing the laws and regulations and discovered as I had known that what we were doing is 100% legal. Not to be content our neighbor requested I be charged on a noise violation.... No dice, nothing illegal there as well. Is this sounding like white trash heaven yet? The funny thing is that I don't even know my neighbors name but have always waived hi and been cordial. I guess it just goes to show that some folks aren't particularly neighborly...
After the drama we went back into the wood shop and continued our work. Clay asked me what we should do to "get even" with our pesky neighbor.
"Nothing" I said.... Then I thought for a moment... You know what I think we should do? "What" Clay asked....
I think I will give her one of the crosses we made when we are done. Just anonomously put it on her doorstep.....
Yep.... That's the ticket.
BTW, my name is Dean Akey and I want to be your insurance agent...
Interesting story. There are good neighborhoods out there these days, but I understand you on the situation. I grew up in a neighborhood where we could be friends with our neighbors and us kids could run around for hours on end without our parents worrying about where we were. Times have changed, but a lot of Americans still have that same heart. Thanks for sharing this story! (And I hope your neighbor was encouraged by your gift!)
It takes all kinds of people. Good lead in with Gomer! Hope your neighbor gets a life!
I have a better idea..... Confront him gracefully...he would never expect that! Who knows, perhaps you two will hit it off.
Or, tell him you are an insurance agent and you were merely protecting his property from rabid varmint
Good idea Nevin.... It just floors me that folks can act like this....
You know that I am 100% on your side. Wish you were my insurance agent! Dang this stupid state laws. You are one class act. Move to Minnesota. You can ride your bike up here at least three months a year!!!!
You know that I am 100% on your side. Wish you were my insurance agent! Dang this stupid state laws. You are one class act. Move to Minnesota. You can ride your bike up here at least three months a year!!!!
Suzanne, thanks for the note. I have quite a few friends in Minnesota and they actually ride 4 months a year....:)
Dean, times sure have changed since I was a kid. We used to roam all over the neighborhood, knew all the parents, and walked in and out of our friends homes just like they were ours. Now, my son is 10, and he hardly knows any of the kids in our neighborhood. He is always wanting to play outside, but none of the other kids are interested. As far as waving "hi" when neighbors drive by, it's more like, lower your head, look straight ahead, and act like you don't see them. It's a strange world we live in.
Thanks for teaching your kids that you don't need to get even... more people should learn that!!
It sounds like you have a good relationship with your son and I appluad you for teaching him not to "get even" with your neighbor. How did your neighbor like the cross?
Dean: Love it! Kill her with kindness and keep smiling! What an awesome experience for Clay - He is blessed to have you as his Dad....
I want to thank you all for your kind words. While it was a frustrating experience I do think that my son Clay learned far more for this which is the positive side. Have a great week.