South Third Neighbors ...

“Love your neighbor as yourself” … Wish that it could be said that we enjoyed each and every one of our neighbors. But the fact is … like some of our very own family members … that will just never be the case.

Searching the recesses of my mind … there’s not even one neighbor that I can recall from Gulkana Street in Palmer, Alaska. Sad, when you think about it. Then there were ‘Rogers Lane’ and later ‘Orchard Street’, here in good ole Silverton. Not many neighbors to be found on either, but we did make some connections. Nonetheless … South Third Street ... indeed, quite the different story.

 Our arrival onto South Third came in September of 1987. And though that is the year and month that we perpetually planted ourselves onto this street, it had previously become a favorite. Every Spring we would make our annual drive down the street to enjoy its bountiful array of pink flowering Plum trees. Sadly, today only a few remain. You see, though they presented quite the amazing beauty while they flowered for those two weeks in the Spring, it was the definite mess that the plums left behind, makes one understand the reason for their demise.

Those early years included neighbors such as Lloyd and Ginny. Not only ‘next-door’ neighbors, but often their yard became a familiar landmark for first-timer visitors to our home. How, you ask? I would tell a friend, “Turn right on Third from Main street. Drive three blocks, looking for the ‘park-like’ setting on your left. Back up one house, that’s ours.” I have never known a neighbor who has kept such a beautiful place. We were always grateful for the amazing colors that were but a few steps away.

South Third Street 'Ash' Tree

Those early years were also enjoyed by Lloyd Mosher. Lloyd’s ‘Mosher 1917’ imprint into the concrete continues marking the antiquity of his house some one hundred and seven years earlier. It was Lloyd who settled a slight discrepancy for the age of our home. We had two documents that were in conflict. One stated the year of construction as 1942, another as 1910. When I asked Lloyd, he was quick to respond, “Well, 1910 of course”! “How can you be so sure” I asked? With a grin as wide as the street he said, “Because I lived in your house in 1916 while I was building mine”. Ok then, Case closed!

Next to Lloyd was ole Elmer & Dora Palmquist. Watching as they slowly … I mean “slowly”, drove their late model AMC Rambler … aka “Kenosha Cadillac” down the street was just too darn cute. Or, they would walk hand in hand … again slowly down South Third Street. Chatting was always a pleasure! After Elmer died, Dora would frequently be seen walking, typically with a rolling cart behind, off to the store or to volunteer at one of several area organizations. Whenever I was out front and I saw her as she moseyed along the sidewalk, I would pop out to enjoy a brief chat about her days activities. Much to my surprise, once when I asked she said, “Well today, that is every Thursday, I volunteer at Northwest Medical Teams” (now ‘Medical Teams International). I said, “Seriously? We’ve supported them for several years, and I’ve traveled with them four or five times.” We laughed at the coincidence, and thereafter would include our current activity into our chats.

~ The Bennett's 1920's ~

But … my all-time Dora favorite was that particular day when I asked, “So Dora, where are you volunteering today?” With a humble smile of complete innocence, she was quick to say, “Well, I’m off to help the ‘old’ people”. Now mind you, she was into her late 80’s by this time. Indeed Dora you are … “Off to help the ‘old’ people” :) Love it!

Our days on good ole ‘South Third Street’ are approaching thirty-seven years at the end of the month. We’ve experienced many changes over these past four decades. Two of the most significant both have to do with age. On one hand we have watched as the neighborhood went from families with many children to an older group with few kids. And now, over the past couple of years … well, let’s just say, we’re close to fielding two full baseball teams. It is a thing of beauty to watch as several, I mean several, gather at one of four homes … disconnected from electronics … they simply play. Now, as one of those “older” ones, it is a joy. Though there has been a mom or two, from time to time, that have apologized for the noise. “Are you kidding me? Children playing” … I have always said, “No, that is music!”

And on the other hand … older means, well … We’ve now seen our fair share of neighbors who have breathed their last. A couple weeks ago … that neighbor was Kathryn. For over twenty years Kathryn and I enjoyed many fine conversations. We were never at a loss, reflecting about our travels, telling about the joy of world and domestic experiences. Both working for various non-profits. Or, it was very easy to strike up a conversation about grandchildren. This morning as I write … Oh, how I would love to walk directly across the street, just to enjoy one more conversation. So glad that you were greatly loved by your family, neighbors, and those very special care providers. Rest in peace my dear friend. Rest in peace!

And neighbor Terri, she tells me that only a few hours after Kathryn’s death … a baby was born next door to her. And new breath enters again onto ‘South Third Street’.

Jesus said in Matthew 22, “Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself.” Thank you ‘Third Street’ … you have taught me … taught us … the second most valuable lesson of life. Today … this day … and tomorrow … might this lesson continue. Perhaps you’ll never be as chatty as Mr. Rick … it’s a gift. Ha! But … you too … you can be the one to love your neighbor. Give it a try … you might be surprise at the gift you’ll receive.

Funny … or, coincidence … as I’m concluding this, a lady, is walking down the middle of the street, pushing a stroller with her baby aboard. And, I ask, “How old”? “Seven months”! She replies. “Enjoy!” Yep, this is ‘South Third Street’!