Good neighbors make a neighborhood, and despite many other claims, neighborhoods are the foundation of our country. Your wife knew how to be a good neighbor, I suspect you see how important that is now that Victor is gone. In fairness, he could have reached out more as well, relationships have to be cultivated, just like gardens.

As a single, 70 year old man, who has lived alone far longer than with a housemate, I know some of Victor's side of the story. I feel the same urge as you do to focus on my own priorities, to cut contacts with neighbors short so I can get back to my shop...this is normal.

I have resisted the urge, made friends with my neighbors, leant tools and a helping hand, given rides to the ER and doctor appointments, and now have friends within a door or two who look after my weedy yard and free roaming chickens when I'm away, who step up to give me rides when I need them. I look forward to conversations that are not intrinsically interesting because I have come to love the people...the half hours "wasted" in small talk actually feed my soul.

Thanks for sharing Victor's story, let's all remember how important reaching out can be.