Hi everyone, welcome to thanks for being here, a short weekly pod to remind us of the many essential

and beautiful ways we affect one another. Every Sunday I'll read a submission from a listener,

Kelly Corrigan Wonders, could be wedding vows or about

mitzvah toast, a eulogy or retirement speech.

We believe this is probably the loveliest way to tap into our better selves and remember our highest values.

We encourage you to share this podcast each week with one person you love,

maybe someone you miss and need to bring closer,

someone you want to feel your appreciation or admiration or both.

This is thanks for being here is so unusual and wonderful. I've never heard of a letter like this.

So these friends of

I and Joan and Doug Smith, who are now probably getting close to being 80 years old.

They are the parents of my great friend Christie Smith, had lived in this house for a really long time and they were moving.

And the people across the street took the time to write this letter.

Dear Joan and Doug, we're going to miss you both more than you will probably ever realize.

We moved out to Glen Ridge from New York City with the hopes of raising our family with a focus

on the things that matter most. Sometimes people make the most impact on others just by doing.

When we moved across the street from you guys,

we were just beginning to raise our three children

as you were both finished raising three happy

healthy children who were married and starting families of their own.

The thing about being the neighbor across the street is that you are always

looking out at the home that you face.

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