Neighbors

So, today my neighbor passed away. I'll miss him. Al was not healthy when we moved in a year and a half ago, but he still walked his dog several times a day. He would move the car out of the garage, take a tire off, fix something, and then by the end of the next day, the tire would be back on, the car in the garage.

For the last six years Al has lived with a brain tumor and Parkinson's. Prior to being sick he was a very successful airline pilot.

But, getting to know him was awesome. The first time I saw him was right after I moved in. It snowed and I took Kirby out for a potty break. Al was shoveling his driveway. Now, if you can picture an old guy who walks unsteadily about five steps a minute you will realize that shoveling a driveway would take some time. So, I grabbed my shovel and helped him.

He didn't really talk. He seemed a little grouchy, but then I found out it was only because his hearing aid wasn't in. He couldn't hear a word I said. Anyway-we finished his driveway and I went over to do mine. Would you believe that Al came over and helped me? Wow! That was unexpected.

I'll remember the little things Al said. Every time we would shovel he would say, "Why did I move away from Florida?" As Christmas time got closer we would meet in the driveway with our shovels and he would greet me with, "Bah, Humbug!"

Visiting in his home one time he let me know how he felt about my religion. (Hated it!). His wife was mortified when he was so grouchy about it, but I left his house giggling about some of his comments. He didn't offend me. I am fascinated by the experiences of other people and do respect differing opinions. Listening to Al and Shirley that day was one of the best times I will remember.

Yes, Al was old. He could barely walk. His dog pretty much ate mine last summer. He couldn't hear. He could be grouchy.

But, I loved him the way he was. I will miss him.

Al Phillips-I hope we meet again!