It was Robert Frost who wrote ,“good fences make good neighbours.” In our interactions with them, we find our daily dose of humour, strength and not to forget, an occasional dose of gossip as well. Like our relatives, many times, we do not have much of a choice in who lives across the fence, and interestingly, this is what leads to the generation of anecdotes.
My octogenarian grandfather has a passion for gardening, and a 40 feet high cactus plant held a pride of place in his courtyard and heart. One bright morning, his businessman neighbour came over with the strangest request.
An astrologer had told him that there was nothing to stop him from achieving more prosperity and money, except for the shadow of a cactus plant that was apparently lingering on his house.
My good-natured grand-dad, tried to make his neighbour see sense, but, eventually gave in to his demands, and despite all our vehement protests, down came the cactus pole. He believed that people were more important and relationships needed more nurturing. Though now, the cactus has grown more than its original height, we still wonder why its shadow is not powerful enough to cast its evil shadow on the neighbour's house, again.
In another not-so-pleasant incident, a family member spent evenings visiting a sprawling neighbourhood temple, and was delighted when the pundit of the temple bought the home next door. Sadly, as the days passed by, she saw all the un-lawful activities he carried out and the roving eye he had for the fairer gender.
She slowly stopped visiting the temple, and then as age caught up, was confined to short distance movements.
Now, she firmly believes that god is found in the hearts and homes, and needn’t be sought elsewhere.
Children who grow up in a multi-cultural neighborhood learn to respect, and enjoy our different vibrant cultures.
If environment plays a part in shaping our beliefs, then neighbours play a vital role in molding our thoughts.
Sometimes, their footprints on our lives are stronger, and for the good or bad, most often permanent.
