What makes a good neighbor?

From loud music no one wants to hear, to the laundry rooms being completely destroyed. I have huddled away into my home, and seldom speak to anyone.

When I was growing up, the neighborhood of my origin was a lot kinder. The adults gave us food, yelled at us for playing near traffic, and sometimes even kept our secrets.

They talked to us as if they cared for us, remembered our birthdays, passed down clothes we didn’t necessarily ask for, and respected our parents…no matter their believes.

Recently, Denver has had an onslaught of migrants, particularly from Venezuela. Not all are bad apples, but I’ve seen a lot go downhill in the apartment complex I live in.

Purposely destroying the fire alarms to set fires, destroying the laundry rooms so no one can wash – but so they can hang out and drink in the middle of the night. Constantly playing their music as loud as possible at all hours of the night. Leaving their trash behind all over the property, and in front of the leasing office. Including – broken glass, beer cases and sometimes condoms.

Yet, expecting respect and leniency when they fall to the wayside and need help.

Giving respect allows it to be received. While I understand that their lives have been troubled, and the foundations under them may be no existence…doing good by others paves a better road ahead. Assuming you can do as you please, then playing the victim creates bigger problems the further you go along.

After a while, the apartment complex has become a lot quieter and safer, and I know authorities can only do so much.

But imagine being a loving and kind neighbor. Simply because you should, and for no other reason.