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.
Friend Peter…
We all bring out small offerings to the common table to share
As do you so well
Roxi too
small bread and an open smile was an important part of the experience.
I am glad we did so
We don’t control anyone’s follow up, nor wish to do so.
We will see what the week brings
Maybe a wave, maybe not
We continue to be and do who we are
As do you and Roxi….
Inspiring! Happy Easter
Happy Easter, Roy! Let us all prioritize loving our neighbors, no matter their race, religion, country, gender, etc…
Nor whether they understand or appreciate the physical effort to walk the block
Glad we did so
Feel right about touching lives, maybe keeping a small light shinning.
We are in close contact with Debbie Finn.
His open heart surgery is Wednesday. A critical Wednesday to have any sense of future/
Coffee on me…..my desire is not to lose contact…….best ur way
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!
We knew where you were and why.
Important to be present, eyes and heart forward
There is no Sunday morning without your Comment
Friendships deepen with every hello
I feel a stirring of movement and perhaps the call that will be your future.
We do so together
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.
What an important rhythm to your morning,,,,,health and wellness ii every step.
Our stroll more urban, more concrete
Purpose and warmth to al the same
We do our normal together…….
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.
Most of the new ones, I think, just thought we were strange
And I guess we are
Yes, kind and also steady on
We all do what we do
We continue on together…..
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. ❤️💐❤️💐
What I might know is true….these or this small wlk the block is important to our health and wellness.
Supports and encourages the continuing of daily life.
So we do
So you do
So we do