Column by AvaEllis

In a society where relationship building and social interactions are dwindling, the year of the Neighbor is what is going to benefit Omahans. Growing up, I have always known my neighbors. My parents would always tell me if anything bad ever happened and they weren’t  there, run to the neighbor’s house because “they’ll always help you.” 

There has always been a community on my block, Fourth of July parties in the circle up the street, block parties in my backyard and, my favorite, the exchange of baked goods. 

I have been babysitting for my neighbors for almost four years and I have never been more grateful for a family. Spending the past three summers with the two kids, Madi and Noah, I have learned a lot. 

I’ve learned patience, leadership, responsibility and how to play a great game of kickball. Throughout the summers, the kids and I have grown up together. We have celebrated losing teeth, winning baseball games and lots of personal records set together. 

While I loved losing the games of baseball, kickball and basketball, my favorite times with the kids have always been taking field trips down to my house to play with my dog and to the park. 

If I could choose one word to describe the kids I would say that they are hilarious. Madi and Noah are the funniest people that I know, they never fail to make me laugh.

I know that I will forever cherish the summers I had the privilege to spend with Madi and Noah. I would have never known these kids without them moving in up the street and meeting them at the block party. 

When the season of Girl Scout cookies comes, my family prepares to get all the young neighbor kids to come around with their wagons asking us to buy (obviously we do because who says no to a thin mint?). 

Knowing your neighbors is such a privilege, getting to meet people that you would have never known because you share a common space, your homes.  

I encourage you to bake some cookies, package them up and walk them next door or down the street. Make a connection with the people who you are physically closest to the most, your neighbors because that small spark can light up a big friendship. 

Whether they are a young couple, an elderly lady or seasoned parents there is always a connection, a smile and a batch of cookies to be made.