Tuesday, October 23, 2007

They Didn't Come Back To Say Goodbye

When I woke up Monday morning, the big moving van had arrived to load up my neighbors belongings.  Thankfully it was a beautiful sunny day...no rain...while the movers loaded the big truck.  We chatted off and on all day,  Mr Newton was bringing boxes of wood scraps and other items over here through-out the day...his wife was in the house overseeing the movers.  When she did come out to talk we'd both be teary eyed.  Bob was here for a while and he left...tears flowing.  Mr Newton tried not to show it but he'd come over and sit for awhile and abruptly get up and walk back across my yard, blowing his nose.  It was bittersweet.  We know they need to move to Missouri, they are both in their middle 70's and since their daughter and son-in-law got transferred in August, they have no family here. They've already rented the other side of the duplex where their daughter's family have moved.  So they were paying here and there since the middle of August.   I wanted to take a picture of them together, then one of all of us...they have been such precious neighbors.  He and Bob have enjoyed many breakfasts at the nearby Denney's or I-Hop. Spent hours in one carport or the other solving the world problems over the last 6 years. Everytime I'd bring out my camera one of them would say, we'll come by Tuesday morning in our "traveling" clothes to say good bye and you can get a picture then.  After the moving van left they checked into a close by Extended Stay Motel...as they were both exhausted.

They never came back....I was home today until 1:15pm this afternoon. I think they decided it was too painful to come back and tell all the neighbors goodbye.  However yesterday, once when neither one of them was looking, I put a card in the back seat of their car.  A card filled with pictures I'd taken of the snow, fall colors, etc. and 2 of Bob and myself.  One was the picture of us in the fake black mustaches & sombreo's from the graduation party for his grand daughter~Mr Newton cracked up when he saw us like that.  And we wrote our address and email addresses and gave them a $25 gift card for Denney's.  I believe they are right at the top of the list of the best neighbors I've ever had.  When we were gone, he'd watch over the place, get the mail & paper. I knew the house was safe with Mr Newton standing guard. 

I wish them a safe trip and a happy reunion with their family within the week. 

 

 

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

How sad for you, I'm sorry.  I hope someone just as nice moves in, or at least not as bad as your neighbors in the back.  Have a good night.  Joni

Anonymous said...

It's always hard to say goodbye to good neighbours and friends, even if we know that the move is the best thing possible for them.  Hopefully someone nice will move into their place and you will have the opportunity to make some nice new friends and you will still be in touch with the Newtons.  {{{HUGS}}}  what a lovely send off card you left for them in their car.  What a good friend and neighbour you have been.  I am sure they feel quite blessed for having known you.
Marie
http://journals.aol.co.uk/mariealicejoan/MariesMuses/

Anonymous said...

I hope they're replaced with more nice people. It's so sad to have to say goodbye after so many years. Maybe you could keep in touch and visit them some time. At least you've all been left with happy memories of each other. Jeannette xx  

Anonymous said...

(((((((((((((((((HUGSTOYOU))))))))))))))))))Its sad loosing a good neighbor like that,I hope you all will keep in touch and I pray for there travling safty.That was nicee of you to give them a presant like that.Have a nice day.

Anonymous said...

Linda that is so sad to have to say goodbye to good neighbours ~ I hope you will be able to keep in touch with them ~ and hope whoever moves into their old home are just as nice  ~ Ally x

Anonymous said...

That's a shame Linda, to lose good neighbours, and I can understand their distress at having to leave good neighbours themselves. Wish them well.

Anonymous said...

You are going to miss them Linda what a lovely thing to do... leave the envelope,full of goodies for them ,they will miss you but be in touch Im sure ,and I too hate goodbyes ...love Jan xx

Anonymous said...

Aww that is so sad!  Reminds me of when my neighbors left back to Denver.  We were just crying up a storm and the good bye was so sad~!   Our kids were best of freinds and they were so sad also.  Everyone was full of tears!  I think your right...they just could not say good bye.  Your really going to miss them...I hope your new neighbors are good ones :)  

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you got to have such great neighbors and hope they are able to keep in touch.....
Linda :)

Anonymous said...

Wow....so sad....I bet your having hard time believing they are really gone...but hopefully you all can stay in touch by phone and emails...BIG HUGGS TO YOU.....June:)