You see, the Fabians had been our neighbors on Skyline Drive since we moved there in 1965. Mr. and Mrs. Fabian were slightly younger than my parents and only had a newborn, John Charles, when we moved in. Over the years, we watched their family grow until they had three boys, just like us.
It was sad when Mrs. Fabian developed multiple sclerosis, which put her in a wheelchair and resulted in the Fabians having to get a special van. But it was inspiring watching Mr. Fabian do everything he could for the woman he loved without ever complaining.
He was a man of deep faith and very active in his church.
It wasn’t until the Fabians and my parents were both retired and empty nesters that my father and Mr. Fabian became closer as neighbors. They apparently talked so much at the fence every day that after my father died, Mr. Fabian told me he missed Dad every time we talked. He also kept on eye on Mom and stopped over to see how she was doing from time to time.
I guess that’s when I began to know Mr. Fabian better myself.
After Mrs. Fabian passed away a few years later, we began to talk even more. Eventually my mother would get jealous, because every time I came over to visit her, I spent a little time at the fence like Dad did, talking to Mr. Fabian. He told me a lot about his years working at Ford and how much he missed his wife. He sure loved his dogs – first Maxine, and then Foxy (which was his father’s nickname).
During one of the visits of my brother Ken from Texas, he and I went over to see Mr. Fabian. It was the first time we had ever been inside the Fabian home. We all sat in his kitchen and had a great time reminiscing about the old days.
When Mom went into a nursing home, Mr. Fabian was sad as he knew that eventually I would have to sell the house. After she died and the house changed hands, I kept in touch with him, stopping to see him when I could and talking on the phone. But I knew he was in failing health and wasn’t surprised when he was forced to move out of his house. He had always resisted selling it because he said it had too many memories for him. He was the last of the original Skyline Drive pioneers.
At the wake, I had enjoyable conversations with each of his sons – John Charles, Dennis and David. They are all great guys, just like their father. I pointed out to them that I remember when they were just toddlers.
Mr. Fabian always ended our conversations, whether at the fence or on the phone, with the same sentiment: “I wish you and your family the very best.” I'll never forget how kind and nice he was to my family and me. He was a great neighbor for more than 50 years. May he rest in peace.
Thanks, Dan.
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