Jan and Ashley on Rockledge Road
Editor’s Note: Each month, our Over the Hedge feature captures front-yard conversations between next-door neighbors. In May, we sat down with neighbors Kathleen Doss and Susan Waggoner on Rockbrook Circle. Kathleen nominated Jan Ware for this month’s conversation.
Jan Ware and Ashley Polk’s friendship began long before they became next-door neighbors. After meeting through church, small groups, and the shared chaos of raising young children, the two families grew close during the early years of motherhood. When Jan learned the house next door might become available, Ashley was her first call. What followed was the rare opportunity to raise their children side by side—an experience that has carried them from playdates and carpools to weddings, empty nesting, and the lasting rhythm of life as neighbors.
On becoming neighbors
Jan: We lived here about a year before they moved. We were friends with the neighbors, and when they mentioned they might be selling, Ashley was my first call.
Ashley: She said, “I found a house for y’all.”
Jan: We had four babies, and I thought, We must raise them together.
Ashley: We had already become close through church and small groups.
Jan: We were like sisters.
Ashley: It was funny because people kept asking if I knew Jan Ware because our kids were the same age.
Jan: And people were hearing the same thing from me about Ashley.
Ashley: When we finally met, I said, “Oh my goodness, I’m supposed to know you.”
Jan: From then on, it was history.
On making the move
Ashley: We loved where we lived on Pine Crest, but we wanted more space and more yard for our children.
Jan: So when I heard this house might be available, I called her immediately.
Ashley: At first, it felt like a lot to consider because we loved our neighborhood, but after some time, it just made sense.
Jan: Getting to live next to each other was huge.
Ashley: It really was the perfect fit.
On raising children together
Jan: Our kids had school friends, but they also had built-in best friends right next door.
Ashley: They played all summer—trampoline, baseball, batting cages, all of it.
Jan: There was always something going on.
Ashley: My kids practically lived at her house, and hers at mine.
Jan: They really became like brothers and sisters.
Ashley: Living next to your best friend means there’s always someone there—whether you need a playdate or a stick of butter.
On growing through motherhood
Ashley: It’s wild how quickly it all goes.
Jan: One minute you’re raising babies together, and the next you’re sending them off.
Ashley: I still remember when our youngest went to kindergarten together.
Jan: And then suddenly, we were crying again when the last ones left for college.
Ashley: We became empty nesters around the same time.
Jan: But we’ve been through every phase together.
On weddings and what comes next
Ashley: We’ve celebrated graduations, birthdays, and weddings together.
Jan: We’re two weddings down, with two more coming.
Ashley: We both have one who is married and one who is getting married this summer.
Jan: It’s been really special getting to experience this stage side by side, too.
On what remains
Ashley: Life just keeps bringing us back together.
Jan: Through all the ups and downs.
Ashley: She’s that kind of friend.
Jan: Our families really do feel like one.
Ashley: It’s rare to have a friendship like that right next door.
Jan: And we’ve never taken it for granted.