A year passed and my Mother decided to relocate our family to Miami, Florida where she had earlier enjoyed avoiding New York winters with my sister who is ten years older than me. Driving South was a five day long adventure (1952 roads, etc.); reaching Central Florida we began to read signs simply stating “SeeThe Big Tree”.

Recalling the Ezekiel story read to me, I persistently implored that we stop to see The Big Tree. My Mother agreed and we looked with wonder at the majestic Cypress towering some 128 feet above us. It turned dark and we decided to stay in a local Motel nearby. Awakening to an orange blossom scented morning, my Mother decided to drive around and discovered a New England like town with 50-foot-tall Laurel Oak trees draped in Spanish Moss and a small Liberal Arts College (Rollins College). She decided then and there to abandon her plans to go to Miami Beach, Florida and settle instead in Central Florida!

Thus, I spent the better part of my next fifty years living and working in Central Florida. I graduated from Winter Park’s Elementary School, Glenridge Junior High, Winter Park High School, and have an undergraduate and graduate degree from Rollins College.

As Chairman of the History Department of Trinity Preparatory School I created and taught the first Afro-American History Courses in the State of Florida and taught many students who commuted from Sanford (Ezekiel’s home)!

Having most recently learned that Elvira Garner attended Rollins College for two years and resided in Sanford, Florida, it seems an incredible coincidence! Three of my children were born in Central Florida. In 1986 we enjoyed a picnic with Hand-Made Milk Shakes and Kentucky Fried Chicken while gazing in awe at The Big Tree. Were it not for “Ezekiel” and The Big Tree, none of the above would have occurred!

The Book was read to me often by my Mom and we picnicked at the Big Tree Park often in the 60s.

I had forgotten the bit about swimming under the Silver Springs boats. Quite enchanting.