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I was momentarily saddened by the news I heard
About my neighbor living across the street
I was sorry to learn about the condition he had
Even though after ten years we never did meet

Then days turned into weeks
A couple months had passed us by
I couldn’t avoid his worsening stories
Even though subconsciously, I admit, I tried

My random bits of sadness turned into prayer
I gave offerings at the Sunday mass
I thought about him and made a sign of the cross
Every time an ambulance I happened to pass

After a year had come and gone
And I had worn out my rosary beads
I finally got up and knocked on his door
To see if I could help with any of his needs

I had only seen him once or twice
At the end of our driveways picking up the papers
The hand I shook in introducing myself
Was dehydrated and as thin as wafers

An oxygen tube was taped to his nose
His lips were dried and caked
Every time he had to let out a cough
His whole body would tremor and shake

He said, “I know many people are praying for me
And their thoughts and prayers I appreciate
But I am glad that someone had the courage to come
And spend some time with me before it’s too late

“We live in a neighborhood but we’re not very neighborly
Everyone is too busy living their secret little lives
But when the merry-go-round stops and it’s time to get off
Ignoring those living near you is a mistake you realize”

I visited him every day for the next three months
Even helped with his hospice care
We both found out we had so much in common
And for ten years we were never aware

When finally he let out his very last breath
I was the only person standing beside his bed
He made me promise to befriend all of our other neighbors
And then my new best friend was dead

Today marks our tenth annual block party
All the neighbors bring their own special dish
We’ve become a large neighborhood family
In fulfillment of my buddy’s last wish
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