The Angel Next Door: The Impact of a Good Neighbor & Friend
People come into our lives for a reason. I believe that God places people in our path with purpose, even if we don’t fully understand it at the time. I was incredibly blessed to have an angel next door—my beautiful friend Lenae. This post is a tribute to her, and inspiration to be a good neighbor. Below, I’m sharing some ideas on how we can all make a positive impact in our communities by embracing kindness and connection. Life is short friends, let’s make the most of it.
In a time when our world feels more divided than ever, it’s never been more important to foster connection where we live. Our neighborhoods should be places of belonging, where we look out for one another.
True community isn’t just about living near each other—it’s about showing up, lending a hand, and creating a sense of home beyond our own front doors. When we choose inclusivity and support over division, we build something stronger than just a neighborhood—we build a family.
Everyone Deserves An Angel Next Door
Neighbors, in particular, have a unique way of becoming part of our story. Sometimes they start as strangers—just a wave across the driveway or a passing hello—but over time, they can become some of the most unexpected blessings in our lives. When strangers—whether next door or not—turn into close friends, it’s often because we’re meant to support, teach, and uplift each other in ways we never expected. I believe this is how God works in our lives.
I feel blessed—because I had Lenae. She wasn’t just my neighbor; she was family. The kind of person who made you feel welcome, who showed up when you needed a hand, and who turned ordinary moments into cherished memories. Her presence reminded me how much richer life can be when we embrace the people around us with love, generosity, and care.

“As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has or ever will have something inside that is unique to all time. It’s our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.”
Mr. Fred Rogers
Iconic TV show Mr. Rogers Neighborhood
Lenae was my angel next door—a beautiful reminder that we all have the power to bring light into each other’s lives. An angel next door isn’t just a friend; they become family. They show up when you need them most, offer warmth without asking for anything in return, and make a neighborhood feel like home. Because in the end, the best communities aren’t just built with houses, but with kindness, trust, and the connections that turn neighbors into something more.
I had Lenae in my life for just six short years, but she is now embedded in my soul forever. Lenae passed away last week after battling cancer for two years. Friends… PLEASE go get a colonoscopy.
What Did Mister Rogers Say About Being A Good Neighbor?
I bet Mr. Rogers would be disappointed in how many (not all) people treat their neighbors these days. Just a guess. I do know that he would use my pal Lenae as an example of how to be a good neighbor.
Fred Rogers and his show Mister Rogers Neighborhood believed that being a neighbor wasn’t just about living next door to someone—it was about recognizing and valuing the humanity in every person. His iconic question, “Won’t you be my neighbor?”, was more than just a friendly greeting; it was an invitation to create a community built on kindness, inclusivity, and mutual respect.
To Rogers, a true neighborhood wasn’t defined by geography but by the way people treated one another. He showed us that good neighbors embrace differences, offer support, and see the worth in everyone—regardless of their background, appearance, or circumstances. His message remains a timeless reminder that we all have the power to foster connection and belonging, no matter where we are.

Nurturing Plants And People
An avid gardener, Lenae brought her love of plants with her when she moved from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest. She lovingly transplanted some of her favorite greenery to her new home, tending to them with the same care and devotion she showed to the people in her life.

Her garden wasn’t just a collection of plants; it was a reflection of her soul. Each plant, each bloom, carried a story of her nurturing spirit. Lenae didn’t just grow gardens; she cultivated beauty, joy, and life.
Gardening, much like life, is about patience, care, and vision. Lenae’s ability to design her garden was nothing short of artistry. She had an eye for texture, color, and balance that rivaled that of a professional designer.
She taught me and others so much about plants, sparking a love for gardening we never knew we had. Lenae believed that a garden wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about creating a space where life could thrive—a sanctuary for both plants and people.


Plant Shenanigans As Soil Sisters
Lenae had an obsession—plants. Some women swoon over designer shoes or handbags, but Lenae? She had a thing for leafy greens, and I don’t mean salad.
She had a strategy, too. The moment her husband grabbed his golf clubs, my phone would ring. “Let’s go to the nursery.” It was our version of sneaking off to Vegas, except instead of slot machines, we were surrounded by trees, shrubs, and overpriced succulents.
Just walking through the nursery made her giddy, like a kid in a candy store. And no matter how many times we swore we were just looking, we always left with a plant. Or three.

Wearing A Path Between Our Homes
We wore a path from one house to another. Who needs a telephone if you can just walk across the street to ask a question or say hello? If you could only see the things that went back and forth between our homes. Furniture, food, vases, decorations and loads of plants.
We had our own little garden exchange program. I’d dig up overgrown plants, she’d happily rehome them in her yard, and in return, she’d gift me plants she thought I needed (whether I knew it or not).

During COVID times, we spent hours upon hours outside planting and gardening side by side. She talked to our plants, and we laughed as she called each tree or shrub “Bud.” They were all boys, she said. She helped me plant over 40 azaleas and shrubs in my front yard. We had so much fun transforming the space together.
Lenae cared about every leaf and bloom, not just in her own yard but in mine too. She was so convinced that some of my front-yard plants weren’t getting enough water that she dragged her hose across the street to give them a drink. “Gotta take care of my Buds,” she’d say, as if they were her own little green children. It was classic Lenae—thoughtful, nurturing, and always looking out for both plants and people.
Everyone deserves a angel nextdoor…….


A Creative Spirit Full of Mischief
Lenae was always up for some creative fun and never hesitated to jump into my latest design projects. She sewed curtains for my boys’ bathroom, helped me brainstorm décor ideas, and always brought her impeccable eye for detail. But our real specialty? Getting into a little design mischief together.
We had a habit—some might call it an obsession—of buying matching tablescape items just so we could share them for large parties. Napkins, chargers, linens, platters—you name it, we probably had it in duplicate. Our homes may have been separate, but when it came to hosting, we practically had a communal inventory of party décor and home decor items. And let’s be honest—any excuse to shop for beautiful things was a good excuse!

Her Magical Sewing Ability
Lenae was an absolute wizard with a needle and thread. Give her a piece of fabric, and she could turn it into something beautiful in no time. She fixed zippers, altered dresses, and made it look effortless while I stood there in awe (and possibly a little envy).
One of the best gifts she ever gave me was a handmade 3-foot Santa Claus. She designed Santa’s outfit to match my home—a perfect, thoughtful creation.
A Legacy of Generosity, Friendship, and Community
Lenae helped me hang curtains, tie bows, and create golf and bridal decorations for events I hosted. When her husband, Tom, couldn’t find her in her garden, he knew she was next door at my house—or helping another neighbor in theirs. Because, everyone deserves a angel next door.
We even built several rock retaining walls together—though looking back, I’m not sure if we were dedicated or just completely out of our minds. You should have seen us at the landscaping supply, loading massive stones into the back of our SUVs like we were auditioning for a home improvement reality show.

By the time we got home, we were covered in dirt, running on sheer determination (and maybe a little stubbornness). We’d unload the rocks, carefully placing them, only to step back, squint, and immediately decide to move them again—because obviously, that one slightly crooked rock was going to ruin everything. But somehow, through a lot of sweat and laughter, we built those walls. And honestly? I think we deserved a medal… or at least a spa day after all that heavy lifting!
Be the Angel Next Door
As I reflect on Lenae’s life, I’m struck by the simple yet profound lesson she taught us: Be the angel next door. Be the person who welcomes new neighbors with open arms, who shares knowledge and passion freely, who nurtures others with love and kindness.
Like Lenae’s garden, our lives can bloom beautifully when we care for one another. Her presence was a gift, her laughter a light, and her wisdom a guide. Lenae reminded me that true friendship is like a garden—it grows through patience, care, and devotion, leaving behind deep roots that can never be erased.
As I walk through my garden now, I see her in every bloom, every breeze, and every bit of life springing from the soil. She’ll always be with me in the lessons she shared, the memories we made, and the love she cultivated.
Lenae’s presence in our neighborhood will be deeply missed, but her spirit will always be with us. Her garden stands as a living legacy of the love and beauty she brought into the world.
Let us honor her memory by striving to be the kind of person she was: an angel in someone else’s life.
Rest in peace, dear Lenae. Thank you for the love, the lessons, and the light you shared with all of us. May we carry your spirit forward, cultivating kindness and beauty in every corner of our lives.
Being a good neighbor is all about kindness, respect, and fostering a sense of community.

Here are some ways to be the kind of neighbor people appreciate and remember:
1. Be Friendly & Welcoming
- Say hello! A simple wave or smile can make a difference.
- Introduce yourself to new neighbors and make them feel at home.
- Be approachable—small talk can lead to meaningful friendships.
2. Offer Help When Needed
- Lend a hand with heavy lifting, yard work, or shoveling snow.
- Keep an eye on their house when they’re away.
- Be there in times of need—offering meals, rides, or a listening ear.
3. Keep Noise Levels Respectful
- Be mindful of loud music, barking dogs, or late-night activities.
- If you’re hosting a party, give your neighbors a heads-up.
4. Take Care of Your Property
- Maintain your lawn, garden, and exterior—your home impacts the whole street.
- Trim overgrown plants and keep shared spaces clean.
5. Be Considerate About Parking
- Park in front of your own home when possible.
- Avoid blocking driveways or taking multiple spots.
6. Respect Boundaries
- Don’t let pets roam into neighbors’ yards.
- If you borrow something, return it promptly and in good condition.
- Honor privacy—friendly doesn’t mean intrusive.
7. Share & Include
- Organize neighborhood gatherings, BBQs, or holiday parties.
- Share extra garden produce, baked goods, or useful items.
- Offer to help with carpooling, babysitting, or collecting mail when they’re away.
8. Handle Issues with Kindness
- If there’s a problem, address it calmly and respectfully.
- Be open to feedback—good neighbors listen as much as they speak.
- If needed, involve a third party (like an HOA) instead of escalating tensions.
9. Build a Sense of Community
- Look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbors.
- Support local businesses and neighborhood initiatives.
- Be someone people can count on, even in small ways.
10. Lead with Kindness & Generosity
- Small acts—like bringing cookies, watering plants, or leaving a kind note—go a long way.
- Offer a helping hand without expecting anything in return.
- Be the kind of neighbor you’d love to have.
Being a good neighbor isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about showing up, being kind, and making your community a better place. Who knows? You might just become someone’s “angel next door.” 😊