When my husband, our baby, and I first pulled into the driveway of our new house in our new neighborhood, we knew exactly two people…

Our next-door neighbor, who went to our church. Also, our realtor. Other than that? Zip.

For the first few months, I wasn’t too worried about not having close friends around. My mother-in-law came over twice a week to spend time with my daughter, Ella. She’d fill me in on all the latest family chisme. She also gave me space to talk about the highs and lows of being a new mom. When she pulled her Jeep out of the driveway and rolled down our dusty road, my heart and socialization tank would feel full.

But as time passed, I found myself wishing I knew someone else nearby. Someone who was around to chat over a cup of coffee. Or could come over to hang out in our garden. Or was free (and game) for us to stop by on the way home from the park.

Little did I know that I would find this kind of friendship with my 70-something neighbor, Jesse.

Jesse is over six feet tall, has kind eye crinkles, and lives in a uniform of gray tank tops, worn-in jeans, and work boots. He lives five houses down and is almost always working on something in his driveway. Our friendship began four years ago, when Ella and I were taking a walk. As we neared his house, we spotted him fixing up a lawn mower. We gave him a friendly wave and quick “hello!” — then repeated this whenever we passed by over the next few weeks. Then one day, when he saw us walking towards him, he quickly popped inside his garage, then came back out holding a box of fresh strawberries. “I figured the baby might like them,” he said.

One box of strawberries was all it took for this kind man to transition from a neighbor to a friend that our whole family cherishes. These days, Ella and Emiliano will yell “JESSEEEEE!!!” as soon as his house comes into view. They’ll run up for hugs and unapologetically ask for Ritz Crackers, which he picks up in bulk at Costco, specifically for them.

Over the years, Jesse and his wife Beverly have shown up for us many times, in such generous ways. Like surprising us with homemade strawberry tarts, or handing down a restored red Radio Flyer wagon to our kids. They invite us into their home and tell us tales of growing up in San Diego in the ’60s and visiting their family in Mexico. They’ve watched our family grow from having one sleepy baby to three busy kids — and they spoil them like their own grandkids. And when our weekly walks are interrupted by colds or hectic schedules, without fail, Jesse calls to check up on us.

One Christmas, Jesse surprised the kids with a homemade sleigh!

I’ve now also made friends with moms at the park, parents from Ella’s preschool, and friends of friends that we’ve met at get-togethers. Of course, I’m grateful for those relationships. But being Jesse’s friend reminds me that some of life’s warmest, longest-lasting friendships are forged with the people we least expect.

Now, I’d love to know, which unexpected but treasured friendships have you made? Please share in the comments!

P.S. A funny conversation starter for all ages and how to make friends as an adult.

(Photo by Ryan Tuttle/Stocksy.)