The People Of 4200 Shenandoah Avenue
July 2, 2008The People of 4200 Shenandoah Avenue are
above average-not an ordinary lot. We buy a
home on the street, unaware that we’re surrounded by
the finest names in neighbors on a city block;
turns out these folks are cut from first rate stock.
There’s Walt and Rhonda (and Buttercup, their
golden retriever). Their welcome is ever ready
to extend. At Thanksgiving we’re like old friends.
James and Mary also reside up at the end. Each fall,
they throw a creepy Halloween costume party.
Their front porch is decorated with elaborate pumpkin
carvings. One year we go as Velma and Shaggy.
Lynn lives across the street. She keenly keeps an
eye on things. On weekends, she sells homemade
barbecue ribs and spaghetti. She drives a great big
car and always shows up for the block party.
One day, Liz and Jay (with their dog Barney) move into
town from Cincinnati. They are as non-generic as
neighbors get. They never miss a chance to be good
to us. They are self-abasing, funny, and direct.
Kevin and Stephene are godly; they live next door.
Their black lab is Schaeffer, he’s outrageous.
They, however, are mature and caring. Like
food additives, they are agents that stabilize us.
Tim and Kristen, Steve and Alisa all live together
(with Hank the terrier). They’re the new next door
neighbors when Kevin and Stephene depart. Whenever
we make treats, we invite them over to take part.
There’s Brandon and Afua, Sean and Kris, an
Irish priest named Patrick, another Patrick with
his Juliette, and Lillian and Pastor Brad who
buy what once was Walt and Rhonda’s pad.
Arriving from Holland, it’s Ralph and Alied. Later,
we meet South Africans Andrew and Justine. Though
Pat and Jess, who used to live below us in a duplex,
are now gone, their names remain bright and strong.
By each of these names we come to know a kindly
touch, like lovers hands that gently hold our faces.
These people give their hearts to us and make this place
a city block where neighbors names are graces.