This is a tough post to write. Sad news is never easy to pass along.
Earlier today, one of our neighbors, Adrian Nevels Cross posted in our Facebook Group about a young man, 3-year-old Tyson Smith, whose mother passed away suddenly and unexpectedly last evening. Tyson is one of the children that attends Mrs. Cross’s daycare, and he is also a neighbor, living with his great-aunt on Edith St.
Tyson’s mother was a single parent who worked at a local business to provide for her son, his great-aunt, his teenage sister, and herself. With her passing, the family will face some serious challenges.
As a neighborhood, here is where we prove that community is more than just a buzzword.
Mrs. Cross has offered to provide a collection point for any donations that we’d like to make. Young Tyson will need clothing (size 4) and shoes (size 10). The family will need any number of household items especially consumables such as toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, laundry detergent, etc. At tonight’s neighborhood meeting, several neighbors also offered money to help provide for the family. If you feel so moved, please drop off any donations – monetary or otherwise – with Mrs. Cross. Her address is 1310 Meridian St. If you’d like more information, she may be reached at 615-522-2089.
If you prefer to donate anonymously, I am offering to take any monetary donations and purchase a Wal-Mart Gift Card for the family to use as they need. Please feel free to email me at chairperson@hhneighbors.com, and we’ll arrange a time and place to meet. After tonight’s meeting, I collected just over $100 from neighbors who want to help.
One last thought – this young man will grow up with little to few memories of his mother. If anyone wishes to write a note of encouragement to him, it may help him later in life to know that people do care.
Thank you for being neighbors and helping as you can.
— Stacy, HHNA Chairperson
Gordon Stacy Harmon is the current chairperson of the HHNA Steering Committee.
