Last Friday, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a Food Distribution Event with Farmed Shared. It was shocking to see that there is so much need in the community- from homeless to families. The most memorable experience- was when I assisted an elderly woman whom was partially blind with registration and through the products pick-up line. She came ready with her shopping carriage, which I assisted to move, as she held me by the arm when we moved up the line. When we got done receiving the donated food items, I asked her where she would like to be taken, she replied "to the bus stop". At first, I paused and thought about the walk and the time to go through the park, cross the street, and then walk down to the bus stop-as I was needed at the venue. However I quickly reflected this lovely lady should be assisted. She continue to hold onto my arm, and I decided to have a conversation with her by asking questions. What a momentous opportunity to learn first-hand the history of our community! The charming lady is a second generation miamian- as I found out. She lived during the time that segregation existed in South Florida. She shared with me that her family was raised down-south what is known today as Cutler Bay, historically called Cutler Ridge. Back in the days, there were two hospitals down-south which included Jackson-South- one was for white people and the other for colored people. She expressed, how one-day when she was a teenager, she had a medical emergency and she was taken to the the closest hospital, which was the one for white people- she was mistreated due to her skin color.
As she continued to talk, I reflected how far we have come as a society. Here is a white as snow guy,- me- assisting a colored gentle-lovable woman. When we reached the bus stop, we gave each other the biggest-tightest hug as if we knew each other forever and are giving our farewells. 30 memorable minutes!
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