Asheville is my chosen heart-home. We are a city of individualists, believing we are all dreamers and change makers for good. Passing in the street, there is always eye contact and a smile. And even riding our public transportation, stranger is extending comfort to stranger.
I am often flooded with joy at being able to bear witness to these daily unsung acts of compassion.
And I have been the recipient of such acts of kindness.
As a wheelchair rider, I deal daily with sidewalks that have compromised safe width space. I have often thought of writing a humorous blog on the adventures of being stuck in plain sight!
One was on Hiawassee [Street] going down to Lexington [Avenue] from Broadway. At almost the corner of Lex and Hiawassee, a pole appeared taking up the sidewalk space! There was not a curb cutout or a way to back up. I sat there stymied. What should I do?
Then, Asheville magic happened — first one person, then another, then another, until there were seven people around me. They literally carried the wheelchair to safety. Complete strangers, a universe of different backgrounds and colors, united in helping. Then they disappeared.
Blessings happening! Love, is the answer.
Thank you, Asheville!
— Ariel Harris
Asheville
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