My next door neighbor is a young man who has returned to Oklahoma State University to get his doctorate degree. He bought the house next door. He has been a good neighbor – (well, there was the time I had to go over at 2:30 in the morning because his bonus room is just on the other side of the fence from my bedroom, and he and a friend were bouncing a basketball and woke me up. But as soon as he realized that the noise was coming through the walls, he apologized profusely and they stopped).

After he had lived there a little while, he started renting out bedrooms to friends. I was a little worried about that at first, but there have been no problems.

In the summers, my neighbor travels overseas. This summer, two new young men moved into the house. I had seen them, but I had not met them yet. Yesterday, I met both of them. One came over, introduced himself, and asked if they could borrow my lawnmower because the lawnmower they have would not work. I was hesitant to have them borrow my lovely little electric mower (see story here). I asked if they would try the push reel mower first. He said they would. He was very gracious and appreciative and said several times that he and the roommate would be available if I needed any help at any time. He even shook my hand. I told him that, if the push reel mower didn’t work, to come back and get the electric mower.

In a few minutes, the other roommate came over with the push reel mower, introduced himself, and asked if it would be possible to use the electric mower. I said they could (with trepidation – I had visions of him running over the expensive electric cord – Yikes!).

I was sitting on the front porch when I saw him come through the gate to their backyard. I realized he was coming my way with the lawnmower, and I realized that I had not told him the underside of the lawnmower collects grass when the bag is used and not emptied frequently. I met him before he got into my yard and explained that to him. He looked at me kind of funny and said, “I cleaned out everything. I would never return something without making sure it was like when I borrowed it.” Then he tipped the lawnmower to show me. I told him that I appreciated that because not everyone is thoughtful and responsible.

He made sure the lawnmower was put back in the garage just right. Then he shook my hand and told me how much they appreciated me letting them borrow the lawnmower. He, too, told me that I am to call on them if I ever need any help. I said that I just might do that. And he insisted, again, that I definitely should.

Two thoughtful and responsible young men. What wonderful neighbors! Chivalry is not dead.