Even the most spontaneous have routines. Part of my morning ritual is my cup of decaf and my morning walk with my dog. As I walk, I notice neighbors performing their rituals-one neighbor left the same time every morning as I. I would cheerfully wave to him as he drove down the street with his young son and dog. A few times he would stop and we would have a nice chat.
On Friday, Oct. 19, I was walking up the hill toward his house and since it was past his normal time, I was wondering when I would see him driving down. Just then the paramedics and police arrived. It seems that my neighbor passed away in his sleep! His 4-year-old son had discovered this and within a very short time, friends and neighbors were there to help. It’s even more traumatic when something like this happens close to home. I also thought of the son and the rest of the family and friends that would be affected by my neighbor’s passing. And I thought how fortunate that throughout all these years, I waved and said good morning and had the gesture returned!
It’s difficult to create a “neighborhood” in Malibu-so many of us are “loners.” I’m not very “social” myself! However, it doesn’t take much to respect neighbors and at least say “hello.” Each person may want something a certain way but cooperation and communication (the “middle path”) really works-working together!
Once again I am overwhelmed at the beauty around me and more appreciative of life. Hopefully it doesn’t take this sort of tragedy to make one aware of the preciousness of human life and the joy of the treasures of the heart, the human touch! This is a good time to review how we are all interwoven-even the most aloof, and how important human relationships are.
Alessandra DeClario