When I started on this journey of blogging I wanted to write about holistic healing practices, physical and mental health, and relationships. Today’s blog is about relationships, our relationship with each other in our community.

Recently I had the pleasure and honor of hosting a front line worker, Tyler Cromwell, R.N., a travel nurse. I say it was a honor because I was able to do something to support a colleague in the health care field. I am a retired RN, however in all my years of nursing, I have never experienced the challenges our health care workers face today. Tyler worked 12 hour shifts 7pm – 7am. As many of you know I love to cook so I was more than happy to prepare meals for her. I was also able to share recipes with her as she and her young man are starting a life together.

I shared my experience with several people that I know. What prompted this blog was the response I received from more than one person. That response was “how much rent did you charge her?” I was just astounded and left a little speechless. It never came across my mind to charge her anything.

There have been several times in my life that people have helped me when I was going through a struggle. I had a friend that let me sleep on her couch for almost a month after a relationship ended badly. I was in a position that I could offer assistance to Tyler and didn’t hesitate to do so.

I remember growing up in a neighborhood where everyone was known. Not only my parents, but other parents and elders would intervene if I was misbehaving. We would not dare be disrespectful nor disobedient to an elder. We looked out for each other and took care of each other. It was like being raised in a small village. When did we stop doing that? A more important question is why did we stop doing that?

I have been Blessed more than once in my life and it is my belief that if I can Bless someone else I will continue to be Blessed. Everything in life is not about making a buck. I want to encourage all of you to make an effort to help someone else. It doesn’t have to be a big thing. Just a small kind act that is beneficial to someone else. Lets make an effort to bring back the village.

Oh by the way, Tyler was very grateful that I hosted her during her assignment in Warren, OH. She gave me the set of Granitestone Cookware pictured above as a thank you. I have been Blessed again!