Roy’s Sunday Letter for April 5, 2026
This Easter weekend Beth & I walked our neighborhood block of 16 homes. Beth had prepared a gift bag for each neighbor with Zucchini bread, a card with her original art on the front and contact information. Both Jesus and Mr. Rogers spoke about neighbors. By knocking on 16 doors, we extended the hand of friendship and were touched by being neighbors.
Walking the block as a couple and sharing a hello and best wishes with neighbors is a relationship practice, we do easily. For other friends, doing so is not an experience within their comfort and if single maybe not safe. We encourage everyone to make the stretch, to gain a new confidence, and maybe add one or two new friends to their circle.
I am unsure how best to carry my personal heritage of “neighbor” into our hurry up, limited interest, even fear of unknow persons living and working around us. A mid-20’s female friend told me, “From your driveway you see the same neighbors every day. I find a space in a parking garage. I meet friends online, not in a hallway or mailbox lobby.” For me, there is a difference in being friends and living as neighbors. Hard to untangle and clearly define, but different.
Beth and I will continue to be strengthened by individual neighbors and families. We will share together the common experiences of neighborhood. I have marked Walk the Block for our 2027 calendar.
Roy, with gratitude, Mr. Rogers will always be my heart neighbor.
PS Beth said to tell you she did not bake 16 loaves of bread, but Eatzi’s did.
I love that you did thie! Thank you for your Sunday articles and Happy Easter to you both.
We made walking the block a creative let’s see what happens.
All good. New faces, new names, from 6 weeks to mid 80’s.
How to do while living in 200 unit complex I don’t know.
Beth and I lived out our values…..stumbling toward the light.
Roy
I think you have demonstrated the actions and outcomes of feeding the masses with the loafs and the fishes. I too think it is important to build a healthy caring and nuturing community for all of us. There is so much to be done. You two set a loving example of developing a healthy connected world.
Inspiring! Happy Easter
What a wonderful idea. I am answering a little late because I had to rush to church to get a seat. All of my neighbors attend on Christmas and Easter. Your friendship means the world to me and I know your neighbors appreciated your kind gesture. Happy Easter!
Mr. Rogers has always been my hero. I see my neighbors early in the AM when we’re out with our pups. There are greetings and some walking together until we take our separate trails to home. I catch up with one of my dog friends Jade, who runs from under her portal to greet us and then we walk back together to her home. Her person and I have a morning cup of coffee together with the pups around us. It’s a blessed moment. Love to you both and gratitude for your spreading friendship and love far and wide.
You and Beth are creating and sustaining your community. I know it means a lot to those who received your heartfelt gifts and will make them kinder and more considerate as a result.
Thank you, Roy and Beth, and Happy Easter. Generosity and caring like yours weave together not only neighborhoods but also communities, towns and cities, states … and entire cultures. All starting with a smile and an act of simple kindness. Thank you again for all you do. ❤️💐❤️💐