My Miami is not the metropolitan paradise lined with beaches that immediately comes to everyone’s mind when they think of “The 305.” My Miami is a little suburb where everything I need is no more than a short walk or a 15 minute drive away. I may want to live in the city later in life, but for now I love living in my little Town of Miami Lakes.
“It takes a village to raise a child,” is a phrase that often comes to my mind when thinking of Miami Lakes. We really are like a village. Here, you know your neighbors and you’re bound to run into everyone you know at Main Street or Publix. We’d be happy to lend a helping hand or a cup of sugar. It’s just the way we are.
And while I’ve always felt this way, I was reminded of it in a beautiful way on Sunday. Everything about Miami Lakes can be summed up in four words: Free ice cream social. It is just like the Miami Lakes community to think “It’s summer, it’s hot, it’s national ice cream day–let’s hand out ice cream!”
It was a sight to see. The sun was shining, music was blasting and kids were zig zagging everywhere trying to get in on all the fun. It truly was a family affair, one I feel blessed to have attended. I’ve hopped around Miami-Dade and Broward in my 17 years and though I’ve only lived in Miami Lakes for two, it’ll always be home. How could it not be when it has so readily welcomed me in?
Miami Lakes defines community. Its residents are the type who support schools, churches, Boys and Girl Scouts and everything else they can. We are always finding an excuse to gather because even if we’ve never met, we’re family.
Anyone who’s been around me for even just five minutes knows how much I love Miami Lakes. I am proud to be part of such a great community that truly is “Growing Beautifully.”
(Sabine Joseph is the managing editor of The Harbinger, Miami Lakes Educational Center’s school paper.)