Anyone who knows me knows I’m always on the move. Between family, work, and travel, I’m constantly in a plane, train, or car—feeling a bit like a modern-day gypsy. But no matter where I go, I always find myself returning to my hometown of Franklin, Pennsylvania—a charming small town about an hour and a half north of Pittsburgh.

Growing up in Franklin was a gift. With just 6,000 residents, the town has a strong sense of community and warmth that’s rare to find. People genuinely go out of their way to help each other. Coming from the chaos of Boston traffic, I’m still caught off guard when drivers actually stop for pedestrians or let you go ahead of them—things that just don’t happen in big cities.

Lately, though, my trips home have taken on a different meaning. I’ve been spending more time there helping my elderly father navigate life without my mom, who passed away 14 years ago. She was his rock, and her absence is felt now more than ever as he battles dementia—a cruel disease that slowly takes away pieces of the person you once knew. Watching someone so independent and well-respected in the community lose their cognitive abilities is heartbreaking. In many ways, I feel like I’m standing in for my mother, though no one could ever truly fill her shoes.

I’m incredibly grateful that my ability to work remotely allows me to be there for him. At Rapid Cloud Partners, I’m proud that we extend that same flexibility to our employees. We understand that life doesn’t pause for work—whether it’s attending a child’s school event, taking advantage of a great snowboarding day, or working remotely to be near a family member undergoing surgery. Supporting real-life needs while ensuring high-quality service for our clients is a balance we take seriously.

As many companies transition back to in-office work, I hope they also recognize the value of occasional flexibility. When managed effectively, remote work allows employees to balance their professional and personal responsibilities in meaningful ways.

So while my visits to Franklin allow me to reconnect with old friends, they’re also emotionally complex. Each trip comes with a list of responsibilities and a deep mix of gratitude and grief. Life moves fast, and roles shift in ways we never expect. But for now, I’m embracing moments of clarity and appreciating the kindness that still exists in this little town that raised me.

And yes, the air really does smell better in Pennsylvania. Maybe it’s the trees, the open space, or just nostalgia—but I swear it’s something special. If you ever get the chance to visit, it’s worth the trip. And if you need a dinner recommendation, let me know!

Gayle Nelson

Founder & President

Rapid Cloud Partners, Inc.