My Community Mesh Network
Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 49 seconds
As I stopped by my neighbor’s business, I greeted him confidently, “Hi there, how are you doing? I just wanted to check on you and ensure your medical tests came back clear. I was worried when you mentioned that you were going to the doctor.”
“Richard, that’s incredibly considerate of you,” the merchant replied with gratitude. “I received a positive report and everything looks good.”
I patted his shoulder as we shook hands.
“I am so delighted to hear that everything is okay.”
My neighbor expressed his surprise, “I don’t know many people who would have remembered my medical tests, let alone stopped by to check on me.”
“It’s important for us as neighbors to look out for each other,” I replied confidently.
From my experience, being involved in multiple communities is crucial for our overall well-being. For instance, I am a member of Temple Sha’arey Shalom, an all-inclusive faith community that has been crucial to me as I navigated losing a loved one. I also live in a great neighborhood where I can walk almost everywhere and participate in various virtual grief support groups.
Furthermore, I am actively involved in various initiatives as a volunteer and a board member with non-profits working to end homelessness; I have also worked on building a Jan’s Memorial Garden and connecting neighbors.
Seamlessly moving between these communities strengthens each one and makes me healthier. Everyone should consider creating community mesh networks. My multi-community mesh network has been a lifesaver throughout my grief journey.
Although it cannot replace what I lost, it allows me to bring my loved one’s spirit into my new life and share her love with everyone.
The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. Gifts made this month; I will match dollar-for-dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.
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Although I focused on what I had lost in the initial hours and days after Jan died, the only way forward was to focus on what I gained, not what I lost.
My addition calculation begins with Merrit Malloy's poem Epitaph, which was read at Jan's funeral and will be a part of mine.
Love doesn't die, People do. So, when all that's left of me Is love, Give me away.
