When we were in Wisconsin this weekend, we couldn’t not drive by our old house and reminisce for just a few moments. (Steve’s brother and his wife were a good sport and tagged along)
As we pulled into the culdesac, all the memories came flooding back and brought a smile to my face. As luck would have it, our neighbors on both side were both outside. We debated whether we go talk to them. We left almost 14 years ago, we were convinced there was no way they would remember us – and we had no idea how many times our home had changed hands since.
We timidly walked up to his house as he was standing on the porch and rehearsed how we would reintroduce ourselves. “You probably don’t remember us, but we’re Steve and Kara and years ago, we lived next door…” Before we could even finish our rehearsed introduction, he jumped in and assured us he remembered our family. Without skipping a beat, he asks, “How are Hallie and your son Hunter?”
I was taken back. How in the world did he remember their names? Hallie and Hunter were 5 and 2 years old when we left! I can’t remember the neighbor who moved in across the street three years ago.
We chatted on his porch for a few minutes. He gave us the update on all our old neighbors and it brought back so many beautiful memories of these neighbors who took in a young family and loved us and served us.
Our kids brought life into an old culdesac who hadn’t seen a new neighbor or kids in quite a while. I remember them doting on Hallie as she would ride her bike around the circle and wave to everyone sitting on their porches. She charmed all of them – obviously more memorable than I could ever have imagined.
After we reminisced for a while, I told him how impressed I was he remembered our kids names. He acted like that was expected. He shared with us he was talking with one of the neighbors just a few months ago who moved after her husband passed away, and they talked about Hallie and wondered what she was up to.
It was so fun to pull up a family picture and show him not only Hallie and Hunter but the three kids we added after we moved.
I don’t believe in coincidences and I am grateful we saw him outside and were able to connect with him once again. He was such a kind and loving neighbor and he has once again made a lasting impression on us.
