A life change, and great new neighbors

Three years ago we moved from our home in Wood Dale, of 53 years to our present home in Plainfield. We needed to be closer to our daughter, her husband and adult grand children who were worried about our advancing ages and health issues. We are both in upper eighties, one of us closing in on ninety. We are now just a mile away.

We were not happy about leaving our old neighborhood because we had great neighbors who became good friends over the years. People we could rely on if in need

Our new neighborhood is a cul-de-sac of 11 homes. We have met some of the homeowners and two families in particular that are special. They have offered to mow our lawn, remove the snow, do anything that we cannot handle due to our age.

We lost a huge tree last fall that shaded our entire patio area. It’s very hot there on a sunny day. We ordered a pergola that will shade most of the area and allow us to enjoy the patio and our backyard gardens. Did not know how we would install it. One of the neighbors saw the seven cartons in our garage and asked about them. Since he is in construction we asked if he knew some men that could assemble and install the pergola. He said no but he and another neighbor could do it The two neighbors joined my son-in-law and got the pergola ready for use.

The reason for this story is to let people know that we live in a great new neighborhood. We are very fortunate to live among people who understand that the word neighbor means we are all family and need to be aware and care for one another.

James Wengerd

Plainfield