Well, after the note....

Gee, the drama's fast and furious. LOL. 

See the previous post, then catch up with this one.

Anne came over with a note of her own and we chatted for a fairly lengthy time. She's Lucas' biological mom after all, was embarrassed by my thought they were a blended family, but Lucas has a form of autism, hence the behavioral issues. They've moved twice in one year, are away from their families, are having marital difficulties, Isabelle is being tested for mild autism, etc.

So, embarrassment all round, with her saying they're going to switch Lucas' room to the other side of their unit and me telling her that it's their home too, to fully enjoy it. 

Apparently the husband's not happy with the house purchase--they bought it too quickly, they miss their old neighbourhood in town (guess they didn't just move from the Toronto area, they moved some time before and were living in another part of the city, which would be why the kids are not in either of the schools in this neighbourhood), someone has complained about the kids using chalk on their driveway (! -- not me!), he wants more money, etc. The usual life issues. They intend to stay for a couple of years, but that's it.

She was so apologetic...and I was trying to reassure her that understanding helps, and that I wrote the note only to let them know that I could hear their business, in case they didn't realize it.

Anyway, I don't need to go into further detail, just that we all want to be good neighbours and will do our best to muddle along.

Whew.

Maybe it's good I wrote the note, then, to clarify the situation. She did say she was aware of the noise level before my note, and that they have heard their other neighbour having a fight with their spouse. So they know the walls are thin.

Whew again. That's way too much drama for me. I admitted to her it was very hard for me to be direct about stuff like this, but again, perhaps it's all for the best in the long run. 

I can hope.

Comments

Katie Isabella said…
I absolutely feel total complete sympathy AND empathy about this. I'm not having the issue now but I have had in the past and it is a horrible thing.
Katnip Lounge said…
Yikes...I think it's a good thing you did leave a note; understanding does help, IMO. I had a terrible downstairs neighbor (twice!!) and I enjoyed retaliated by wearing hard soled shoes and trotting around my apartment. Of course I was only 23.
Old Kitty said…
Oh my goodness - I love this update! What dramas!!! Anne sounds like a most reasonable mum. Having two autistic kids can't be that easy but I do hope she has some proper support too. I've read this book "A Friend Like Ben" written by a single mum of an autistic child and how it was having a cat called Ben who helped her son cope - he found a positive and calming connection with another creature. But before Ben came into their lives, she was barely coping with her son and his autism - it's a very very very difficult diagnosis to deal with - needs careful handling - needs people to see the world through the eyes of someone with autism and it's a very very different world to the "norm". I get the feeling what we see as "normal" is actually very very frightening and confusing for an someone with autism and they need coping mechanisms - learned or otherwise - like a cat! :-)

Glad the air is cleared somewhat!! You are a wonderful neighbour Kim! Seriously!! You've build bridges.

Take care
x
The Cat Guy said…
sounds tough, but the note and conversation seem like good steps to a better relationship. Now, you might consider ear plugs or noise cancellation headphones!

I once lived in a huge apartment building where the layout of each unit was identical. Most every night the couple right above our bedroom would have loud sex late at night. And it would go on and on... Now, I like having a house with no adjoining neighbors!
I am glad this is out in the open now and you both are more understanding of the issues as they are...that can only lead to good and a bit of comfort for the poor mum to know she can talk with you. I would turn on my favorite music station if it gets to be too much for your ears and heart...
Big hugs to you for your kind steps!
ANGEL ABBYGRACE said…
Kim
*big round of applause*
You did the lady a big favor and I do think she appreciated your kind words and offer for a respite if one was needed. Maybe things will get better. So sad for the little ones. You know it's really odd that so many kids are autistic these days. I really think that there is something to those vaccines. I truly do. I don't care what the DR's say.
I hope there is more peace tonight for all.
It's goes to show you never know what cross someone has to bear.
xoxox
As Abby said, the vaccines are indeed suspect. A neighbor has an autistic child, and that's her belief.

In my morbid universe, I was eagerly awaiting each new blog to see the next episode of As Kim's World Turns. For your sake, I hope things work out, but, like on TV, everybody getting along makes for boring watching. Here's to a boring future for you and the boys.
vic said…
It's so good that you and the mom had that conversation and it was all due to your nice, well phrased note. It's so much easier to put up with a bothersome situation when you know that it's not a lack of consideration for you but a difficult situation for the other person involved as well.