A SENIOR'S VIEW

There's a cute joke that I can't print here because it's a little spicy. However, the punch line is "I never know when I'm going to need them."

I think this applies to "neighbors needing neighbors." Neighbors can covet their privacy but cherish the safety of neighbors.

Some people might think being "neighborly" is being nosey, invading privacy. I believe it's caring, and that's good.

Why are we so concerned about privacy? Certain things in our lives are private but that is our choice. Now we should worry about identity theft. With the technology today, what is private?

Years ago, neighbors were important in our lives. My mother was one of the best. We'd borrow a cup of sugar, flour or whatever was needed. The item was returned with a few freshly baked cookies or a little more of what was borrowed. It brought back good memories when a neighbor of mine, not long ago, borrowed a cup of sugar and an egg.

I have been a member of Trinity County Neighborhood Watch Program since its inception. We are trained on duties and how to handle any unusual activity. We are the eyes and ears for the Sheriff's Department and are to stay out of harm's way.

Recently, in my concern for a neighbor as I heard banging and yelling, I called out in a loud, stern voice: "What's going on there?" I was behind a locked gate and knew I was safe. The commotion stopped, but I was still concerned for the neighbor. Maybe the person had entered the house. Not knowing the neighbor's phone number, I called a relative to check. I violated the most important part of the training — "call the Sheriff's Department" — and that's what I'll do if and when it happens again.

Helen Stortz and I visit frequently by telephone. Last week I called, but didn't get the answering machine, only a funny "blurrp." The second call was the same. Not having a cell phone number, I called the Sheriff's Department. When they found the residence, her daughter Barbara was home but might have been on the computer, which could explain the odd sound. Barbara, knowing her mother was at the LaGrange restaurant, called and was assured Helen was OK.

Another episode: Once I forgot to put my Smiley poster in the window to inform Clint, Bobbie and Angel that I'm OK. I had gone out to dinner, so when they tried calling, only the answering machine came on. There were numerous calls made to my friends in Oregon trying to find a contact. Before Carol Pasch, a dear friend, moved to Oregon, she was here for me - 24-7. She still checks on me every day and always knows my schedules.

When my friend and neighbor Tina West returned home and was contacted, she rushed over as I was driving up with my daughter-in-law Charlotte. Everyone was happy. I apologized and felt so loved. That's what I call neighbors needing neighbors.