My neighbor appeared to be a friendly and caring woman. I didn't know her well but she lived there long enough to see me, my cousins, my mother, my aunt and my uncles grow up. We're talking 50 plus years. She was friends with my dearly departed grandmother and also knew my grandmothers mother. Generations ago. It's sad because many people don't grow up in neighborhoods like that anymore. Many people buy and sell within a span of ten years or simply rent and move.
This lady, waved and smiled every time we saw her. My uncle grew fond of her and her family even doing yardwork and housework for them from time to time. As I type this, I'm getting sadder and sadder because the reality of what has happened hurts. I will no longer just nod and say "how's it going" or "beautiful day". Simple gestures that you take for granted once they're no longer available to you. Crazy, how impactful the little things can be on your every day life.
So, Rest in Peace dear lady. May your forever days be filled with the love and joy you exhibited on your face each time you greeted me at the edge of your driveway.