When Helping Others Helps Yourself

      My friend, Johanna, is a “Jill of all trades” – helping others with her mind and body in a way that work together.     She is into healthy cooking and often she and her husband have guests for Shabbat.  She learned this trait while growing up in her parent’s home in England. Often there were boarders, too. And there was always enough room to feed as many as were at the table.

     Johanna also does massage and reflexology to women as part of her parnassa. That is one of the reasons I went to her – my ankle problem and her ability to assuage some of the pain I was in.     I had met Johanna in town in several places – the English library, the woman’s writing group and at mutual friends’ homes. I got to know her and found out the varied talents she has a writer and as alternative “therapist”.

     She has helped me in my early typing stints at the computer and continues to give me “freebies” for foot massages. In the beginning I paid for her services (albeit at reduced rates). But that changed and became a bonus for me. A few months ago a computer job was offered me; however I realized I was not properly qualified for the job. I recommended Johanna. As a “gift” to me when she visits she gives me a foot massage in recognition that I helped her with parnassa.   

   Johanna is also the lady people turn to when they plan a trip out of town – to collect their mail, water their plants or other small errands. 

    Johanna, in the past was instrumental in the English library being open an extra time-slot during the week – once a week in the evening– a position she held for over a year. Before then the library was open two mornings and one afternoon during the week.    And she always seems to be doing for others what they cannot quite do for themselves. Why? Because she is the type of person who steps in to assist when the need arises.  She does so simply because she can.  Nor does she care for any official recognition.