Show Yourself Friendly

So you may have noticed by now that this blog is dedicated to things that I experience first hand. I try to jot down things as they happen so I won't forget and this little saying was in my notebook.
It makes me think of a few people in particular. I live in what some would call "the hood". I just call it home. I've been in this neighborhood for twenty... Wait, let's not get technical but I've been here quite a while (lol).
My father is known by EVERYBODY in this neighborhood. When he had his Garage open he would open the gate every morning, stand outside and say hello to every one as they were going to work or taking kids to school. At first some may
Have thought him strange but over the years he has become somewhat of a fixture in this neighborhood. People would come to him for advice, and help and he always there ready and willing. Definitely friendly.

I definitely do not stand outside every morning to greet everyone that walks by but all of us (my parents kids) have a habit of speaking when we enter a room, greeting even strangers when we make eye contact and respecting elders. Friendly.
There is one particular gentleman that we all speak to although most other people don't. His name is Mr. Ernie. At first glance he looks like a crazed homeless person and quite scary. But over the years we have learned more about him. He is a
Viet Nam Vet who lost everything after the war. His wife, kids and his mind. He flips out sometimes and drinks so he doesn't remember. He has never asked me for anything but I always give him a smile and a wave. Respect him by calling him Mr. Ernie
And may even hold a short conversation. Friendly.

I sometimes travel late and alone and like I said before I live in the hood. Not always the safest place to be by yourself. One night I was coming home from Manhattan. It had to be about 2:30 in the morning. It was very dark and quiet. This guy (very drunk) comes
Out of nowhere and starts following me. I got a little anxious and started to walk faster. This made him very mad and he started cursing and moving faster. Out of the blue comes Mr. Ernie. I won't repeat what he said or did but needless to say the
Man didn't bother me anymore. When I tried to thank Mr. Ernie and asked him where he came from he told me that he's always watching for me and my family and not to thank him because we're friends.

Think about it.