Everyone has neighbors, whether you live in a house, an apartment, or a dorm. Some are good and some are bad. Some you love to see on your way in and out and some you could care less about interacting with. However, one doesn't really realize the impact that a neighbor can have until they have a remarkable one living right next door.
When I returned home from college two weeks ago, I was excited to see my neighbor. I knew that we had a lot of catching up to do. However, upon our first interaction, I didn't expect to find out that she would be moving in the coming month. I was shocked, saddened, and surprised. I didn't remember seeing a for-sale sign posted in her yard and my mom hadn't mentioned the move to me. The whole rest of the evening, I couldn't stop thinking about her not being right next door to me anymore. It's just going to be different. I'm not the best at accepting change and it's definitely going to be weird to not see her smiling face around as often.
I've known Mary Jane ever since I moved to my house at age 4. She welcomed my family to the neighborhood with open arms, introducing us to the other families in the court. She watched me progress through school, essentially watching me grow up. We've been close for 16 years of my life. I often saw her as a second mom while growing up.
She was the lady who my parents would put down for a third emergency contact, she came to my rescue and gave me rides when my car broke down, she cheered me on at my field hockey games, she always remembers me on my birthday and for holidays, and she even inspired me to join Colleges Against Cancer at BGSU.
Mary Jane, you and your kindness will be so missed. Thank you for 16 great years of warm hellos, venting sessions on the porch, Halloweens sitting side by side and handing out candy to the neighborhood kids, holiday gatherings, lunches out, and for genuinely caring about my family and I.
Thank you for inspiring me to join Colleges Against Cancer. Thanks to you , I have met many other college students who are passionate about making a difference by finding a cure for cancer.
You have shown me what it means to be a good neighbor and I'm forever thankful that you were mine for so many years. I can only hope to be as wonderful of a neighbor as you are someday.
I will never forget the times that we have shared over the years and I know that we will still stay in touch, whether you are right next door or across town. No one will ever replace my favorite neighbor. I love you.
