Ode to Neighbor Duane.

Somewhere along the course of your existence, I hope you have a neighbor who

loves playing with your children almost as much as you do,

who can always be counted on

for a meaningful conversation amid your day of sippy cups and diaper changes

or a good theological debate with your better half on the porch in the spring.

I hope this neighbor doesn't take himself too seriously 

to jump with abandon on your daughter's third birthday

or hold up a paper doll Wonder Pet so he can see himself on TV.

I hope he is one of the first people to hold your newborn sons

and one of the last people to leave when you have a family dinner.

I hope your kids treat him with the allure of a rockstar and the familiarity of an uncle.

I hope your daughter says "I love you" to him on a regular basis

and always runs to greet him when he comes within view.

I hope his only condition for coming over to your house is that no one is currently contagious

and his only requirement for playing princesses with your three year old

is that all the dolls wear clothes.

I hope you have snowball fights and real fights

and both end in laughter.

Somewhere along the twists and turns of life, I hope you have a neighbor

who proudly displays your family photo outtake on his mantle,

who finds redemption in your messy house and beauty in your life of chaos.

I hope one day you have a neighbor

who is less a neighbor

than a friend.

[Single ladies, take note of the fatherly tendencies.]

Happy Birthday, friend. You are loved.