My Friend and My Neighbor

Writing a post about Arlen is difficult, because there’s so much to say. Instead of wasting too many words trying to write poetically, I’ll simply make a few simple statements about Arlen and his relationship with others, including myself.

Arlen notices everything and everyone. He talks to you, he gets to know you, and he make an assessment of who you are. To have Arlen’s friendship is worth having the friendship of any ten others. You do not want to have Arlen as your enemy.

Arlen surrounds himself with good people. When he and I got in an argument a long time ago, his family and friends refused to be dragged into the argument. In fact, they helped us both to eventually see past it.

When I first moved here, I got a lot of stares because I was the only white guy around. Arlen introduced me to people by putting his arm on my shoulder and saying “This is Phil, he’s my friend, he’s my neighbor.” People quit staring at me.

One day I handed Arlen my duffel bag and said “Watch this, it’s got my gun inside,” then I walked away. In my entire lifetime, I can think of nine people that I would trust to hold my gun. Five of them are family, two of them are from this neighborhood, one of them is Arlen.

Arlen’s son, Darrell, sells drugs (sometimes). Arlen tells his son “You need to get the fuck out of here. You’re bringing shame to this family.”

When people sell drugs in front of Arlen’s house, he tells them “You better get the fuck out of here with that shit or I’ll shoot you in the ass.”

If your tire is low on air, Arlen’s going to notice it and point it out to you.

If someone is messing around on your property, Arlen’s going to let you know about it.

If drug dealers try to burn down your house, Arlen’s going to be there helping to put out the fire.
Arlen goes out at seven in the morning to shovel his sidewalk and his neighbors’.

When a neighbor is ill, Arlen mows their lawn before they can even have a chance to ask.

Arlen worked for a living. Arlen is retired. Arlen does more work in a day still than many people do in a week.

If Arlen offers you food off his grill, you know it’s safe to eat - even if it is raccoon or goat!

When you go on vacation, Arlen is one of those neighbors you want to tell that you’ll be gone.

You can trust Arlen with the key to your house, with any tool you own, or with your truck.

Arlen walks around the neighborhood and talks to people.

If Arlen tells you he’s got your back, you can look forward with confidence.

If you ask Arlen who he is, he’ll simply tell you “I am who I am.”

I’m sure I’ve left something out, so I’ll just summarize by saying that Arlen is a good guy.

Arlen is a good neighbor, just don't get on his bad side.