Friends and Foes in the Common Areas

Every town-house complex has them: swaths of picturesque shared property that have seen their share of joys and sorrows throughout the years. These legendary locations, also known as "common areas," are the fertile grounds for neighbourhood controversy.

At Minto's Centrepoint South complex (Court 3), our children are pleased to supply this controversy, and a good measure of laughter as well, at regular intervals. 

I figure that since we will be moving out of the neighbourhood at the end of June, we need to savour the remaining moments that have been given to us in this beautiful (if slightly litter-contaminated) piece of land.

Jesse entertains Robbie during one of their daily wagon rides. Of all the people that can get Robyn to smile, Jesse does so with by far the greatest proficiency and joy. Chrissy and I think that these two have a pretty special little bond (though Chrissy notes that lately Robyn has seemed much more impressed with herself than with him, referring to her uncanny ability to crack herself up).

While Jesse has a gift for bringing joy to Robyn, Robyn has a gift for reducing Janna to indignant tears. For instance, seconds earlier, the two were sitting together in blissful harmony. Then, in a flash, Robyn yoinked off Janna's glasses. Then she did it again.

(It's hard to have a baby sister who is pretty much the same size as you.)

Thankfully, our neighbourhood is greatly enriched by some fantastic neighbours. This is Jeff, who works as an artist in the storyboard business. He is certainly one of the most creative and kind people that we have ever met.

And of course, every Christian family needs a good neighbour with whom to have deep spiritual talks. We've been trying to convince Jeff to join us in following Jesus, but so far he hasn't bitten. Maybe some day we'll be able to find some "common ground" on this point? (Sorry.)

Clearly, this place has treated us well, and we will miss the neighbourhood that has kept us grounded for the past three years. God blesses us in many ways, and we're thankful for that.

Until next time...