I live in a neighborhood of lower middle income folks. These neighbors of mine are not the movers and shakers of our society. They are not the elite of society! But they are real. They do not hide behind social niceties. They are unpolished in speech and mannerisms. One does not have to speculate on either their motives or their pain. They make no effort to hide their emotions or to apologize for their words.

I am at ease with these folks. Not ever having been a masterful game player myself. I trust these people in ways I would never trust the more socially adept. They accept me which is surprising since in many ways I am not one of them. My education sets me apart but I have come to a point in life where I no longer feel the need to pass judgment or assign blame. Its a remarkably comfortable place to be. It frees me up to go with the flow and simply enjoy the mixture of drama and comedy that swirls around me.

I relish the flawed imperfections, the interplay of light and shadow that swirls around me most of all I feel privileged to be accepted by these folks. It is my good fortune to love and be loved by neighbors.