We grow up thinking our parents are always going to be strong and protect us. And often we give little thought to the day that we will need to be their protectors. 

As a parent, the thought of growing older can be scary sometimes. But as a daughter, the thought of my parents growing older is even scarier. For one woman, the time came when her parents were relying on her to help them.

Tiki Edwards/Facebook

But Tiki Joyner Edwards knew her parents needed more caregiving than she was able to provide due to her job and family. She wanted to make sure that they would be loved and cared for, getting the help they needed when she wasn’t able to be there. 

And that help came from the unlikeliest of sources. Edwards reached out to a nearby neighbor — 15-year-old Romemylion Mitchell. 

At a time when most teenagers are wrapped up in their own lives, Mitchell put all that aside for Trent and Cianne Joyner. In a Facebook post that went quickly viral, Edwards praised the young man.

“I just want to take a moment and recognize this sweet fella that lives across the street from my parents. He checks on them every day and has grown to love and care for them deeply,” she wrote.

Mitchell made it his purpose to keep the Joyners happy and safe for their daughter. Despite not being related to the couple, the young man visited them daily, helping with anything they might need. 

Edwards said that the teen goes to the grocery store with her father, helping him while he shops, and then bringing the groceries in. From mowing the grass, to just keeping them company, there is little the teen won’t do.

“Not many 15 yr olds would take the time to care and be there for elderly neighbors,” she said. While Mitchell was busy with school, friends and his own family, he never let that stop him from finding time to help the Joyners out. He would not accept payment for the time he spent helping them — he just wanted to help.

Edwards said that when her mother had been admitted to the hospital, Mitchell raced to visit her and see how she was doing.

When he saw Mom today he busted out crying and just held her tight.”

Thousands of comments were left on the post, all agreeing with Edwards, and praising the young man:

• “His village raised him right! What a blessing to those around him! May he be an example to follow!”
• “This is truly one special young man! We def need more people like this in the world and this post needs to go viral to show that there is humanity and faith in people!”
• “Good job young man. “I’m sure you were brought up right by your parents. Thank you.”

Edwards went on to say, “What a blessing and just wanted to pass on something heartwarming instead of the sad news we see and hear every day.”

Sources: Ron Project | My Positive Outlooks