What I found most interesting about this experience was the lack of a kind word from our neighbor. This was not her fault, of course, but if my tree had taken out her back door, I would have apologized at the very least. I would have appreciated an offer to help chop up the tree and an offer to haul the lumber to the yard waste center (part of the joy of living in St. Paul: we burn fossil fuel to drive our leaves and limbs to a central location. Makes perfect sense.) Heck, I would have appreciated an "Oh, Dear!" But, it was radio silence. We've been neighbors for several years, and she's been a guest in our home. I guess Tree Impales Neighbor's House doesn't warrant comment.
I can't help but wonder, after all, how well do we know our neighbors? Or ourselves? I'd certainly like to think I would try to make it right if my property damaged or destroyed the property of another person, but would I really? Would you? It's easy to be self-righteous when it's not our tree, so to speak. So, today will be spent cleaning up the tree limbs and shopping for a new door. And saying hello to our neighbor. Because life goes on, and hopefully we'll be neighbors for a long time. She's quiet, she doesn't throw loud parties, and she keeps her sidewalk shoveled. If you've ever lived next door to a less than ideal neighbor, you know what a treasure she is!
