My Neighbors Dug A Two-Acre Lake On My Land While I Was Out Of State—Then Told Me Their Contractor Said It Was Theirs, And That Was The Day I Learned How Expensive Arrogance Can Be

said something I never forgot.

“A boundary is a promise.”

I didn’t understand what he meant at the time.

He continued.

“It tells your neighbor where your responsibility ends and his begins. You respect his side, he respects yours, and everybody sleeps better.”

Then he looked directly at me.

Those pale gray eyes of his always seemed to know when I was only half listening.

“Land’s the only thing they’re not making more of.”

He paused.

“You take care of it, it’ll take care of you.”

Then he tapped the