When I moved in with Sam, a year or so before we got married, the first neighbor I met was Dale. He came over and introduced himself. He was friendly, told me a bit about the neighborhood and the neighbors. He really made an impression on me.

I remember telling Sam that I had met him and she told me just how great a neighbor he was. He had a riding mower and mowed her grass for her every time he mowed his. He told me that when I needed it, to come and get his mower and mow the grass. When I got my zero turn mower, I returned the favor and mowed his grass if it needed it. When his mower was down, he’s borrow mine and vice versa.

He was the neighborhood watch in a way. The first night I was there, Sam had to work. My car was in her driveway and he texted her to let her know there was a strange car in her driveway. That meant a lot to me. It was nice to know that someone was aware of what was going on in the neighborhood.

One day (long before I had to re-deck the porch), he saw me out trying to fix the steps that led to the porch. He told me to wait a minute. He ran home and grabbed some scraps of the stuff they used to re-do his deck. It wasn’t wood, it was that plastic-type strong deck board. We cut a few to size with my saw, and he had his impact drill with deck screws and fixed my step in about 10 minutes. He is just that kind of guy.

Whenever he had some sort of back yard party, we’d always make sure our driveway or back yard was available for his guest parking. If I ever needed a garden tool, or his big roller to roll my yard in the spring, or help moving something – he was there to help. He is just one of the great neighbors we have in our neighborhood. Sadly, he is moving away this week.

He and his wife are moving to Florida to take care of their parents. The neighborhood won’t be the same without Dale and his family. I know I will miss those chats out in the yard while we are both working on stuff. I will miss the positive advice and support he always freely gave. I will miss having him around for sure.

I wanted to publicly say thank you, Dale. You have done so much for my wife, me, and my family. You have been such a wonderful neighbor and I truly will miss you guys. We wish you all the best in your new home. Your neighbors will be blessed to have you!

May God bless you and your family. Take care, my friend, and please keep in touch! You know where we live!

Drive careful and remember, in Florida, it is some sort of state law that your blinkers are to remain on at times!