When we moved into our house 30 years ago, our neighbors across the street were Ludwig and Martha, an elderly couple of Czech heritage. There were several houses around us with young children, and the neighborhood was pretty busy at times. Martha and Ludwig were always up for a chat on their porch, and loved watching the children play. Every Halloween Martha made sure she had some extra special treat bags for daughter and her best friend across the street. Martha and Ludwig passed a few years ago, and middle aged couple live there now.
I have enjoyed getting acquainted with the two young children next door to us. They moved in last summer. They are very curious about our garden and flowers, and they like to tell me what has been going on in their lives whenever we are all outside at the same time. This Halloween I made sure I had special treat bags for them, just like Martha. I told daughter I was turning into the new Martha, and she said “Those are big shoes to fill, Mom”. I hope I can live up to the challenge.
When have you stepped into someone’s shoes? Whose place have you filled? How well did it work?
