Won't You Be Our Neighbor?

These folks do Mr. Rogers proud

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Cold Treats, Warm Hearts

I wondered who our neighbors would be when we bought land for our new house. I didn't have to wonder long: On a hot day, a beautiful (and pregnant) woman walked across the field with popsicles for us. Rachelle and I were both expecting our fourth daughters, and all our girls lined up within a year of one another. Our families spent the next 22 years making memories between our homes. They had to move out for a year about a decade ago while their house was rebuilt after a fire. They moved back in on Christmas Eve, but the kitchen wasn't done, so I suggested they come over on Christmas for a big breakfast in our pajamas. Now every year we go back and forth. Who knew a few popsicles would have such an impact? -KONDA KOOREY Warsaw, IN

Forgive Thy Neighbor

On Sunday afternoons, my neighbor Dick and I often mowed our lawns. Most people wouldn't give it a second thought, but we were both pastors who encouraged our parishioners to make Sunday a day of rest. On such occasions, we'd meet at the fence, confess our sin, assure each other of divine forgiveness, then finish the job.

-PAUL BAILEY Fayetteville, NY

Keeping It in the Family

My sister, Lynne, and I were close growing up, but our lives took different directions after high school. Decades later, she was divorcing and needed a place to live. I'd been thinking of buying the home across the street as an investment, and the owner agreed to sell it to me at a discounted "neighbor" rate. My sister moved in the day I closed, happy to be in town with her grandkids. Now, she and I are closer than ever: exactly 100 feet door to door.

-CHRISTINE COWAN Charlotte, NC