This column may be ending, but the stories it shared are everlasting

I never thought I would have to write these words, but this is my last column for the Miami Herald.

As I write, I think about the 19 years I have let readers know about the good in our South Florida community, and I am grateful to have had this space to do that.

I took over the “Friends and Neighbors” column from my mother, Bea Moss, the legendary Herald writer and editor who also mentored young reporters fresh out of journalism school. Many went on to be top writers and editors.

When Mom could no longer type, due to the shaking symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, she asked me to please take over her weekly column. She was worried the people she covered would be “left out in the cold.”

In 2007, I was busy teaching journalism to elementary and middle school students, but I took on the challenge, if only to reassure her.

Throughout these almost two decades, I have discovered the incredible joy of people and groups with missions and passions. I have met so many volunteers, and learned so much.

I remember when I wrote about Tanzie, the longtime shelter cat at the Humane Society of Greater Miami, who finally found a home when readers saw her story.

And I have shared the events of so many artistic and musical organizations like What if Works, Holocaust Impact Theater, the Greater Miami Symphonic Band, The Betsy Writer’s Room, and the South Florida Writers Association which published “Sea of Tranquility, a Literary Anthology” that includes a story I wrote about my mother’s coverage of the 1969 Apollo 11 moon launch.

I have written about so many book authors and illustrators, orchestras and bands, folk and jazz musicians, gallery artists, teachers, students, inventors, and playwrights putting together important local productions.

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I wrote weekly about heroic first responders, mask makers, food banks, and even a young musician who played his violin to raise the spirits of those in lockdown.

The natural wildness of Miami was something I grew up with, and I tried to share the stories of those who work hard to protect it, sometimes against heavy odds. There were the stories of coastal cleanups, the advocacy of Everglades preservationists, and the young student who planted thousands of tiny mangroves to help restore miles of our shoreline. I also wrote about the importance of planting native plants, and preserving our disappearing pine rocklands.

So many groups that help children have been included in my column, along with stories about the coaches and athletes who inspire youth every day. Looking at you, swim coaches.

And I have shared the missions of volunteers who help those in need, including the young cooks who brought meals to families affected by hurricanes, and the nonprofits that run food banks, and always make sure that Thanksgiving meals are delivered to those who would otherwise not have them.

For years, I wrote special stories about summer camps, craft and artisan fairs, and holiday lights. One of my favorite stories was about a man and his family who decorate every inch of their yard every year for the community to enjoy.

I loved writing about crafters at a senior center who collect plastic bags to create sleeping mats for the homeless, all the garden and kitchen tours to raise funds for historical preservation, and nature lovers speaking out to protect old trees. There are so many volunteers at nonprofits, and medical professionals, who give their time to make sure youth get medical, dental and vision care.

Seniors are always learning new skills and sharing them along with their wisdom. And so many get to celebrate their 100th birthdays, which I have often celebrated with them through my column.

My story about Moldovan dancers who help others discover a love of movement was a favorite recent story. And I always tried to let the public know about Pelican Harbor Seabird Station’s care of injured animals, and its art competitions. My mother loved pelicans and was among the first to donate to the rescue group in its early years.

Other favorite stories include the return of the Biltmore Hotel’s historic tiles, a female firefighter’s quest to let girls know they can choose that profession too, the Sunshine Pride House that helps LGBTQ+ youth kicked out of their homes after coming out, and the “Window of Hope” exhibit to showcase the work of Haitian artists

In this space, it is impossible to list every person, and every group, that has allowed me to share their stories. I have felt honored so many times when I reached the end of writing a column. I have thought often about how lucky I have been to grow, learn, and maybe help others get involved in something new to them.

My family and friends are sure I will pivot to continue this work. And I will.

For now, I will take some time to appreciate the wild places I love to hike, and the birds I love to watch. And I will be volunteering more at the historic “Doc” Thomas House, the headquarters of Tropical Audubon Society, where I have been asked to be on the House and Grounds Committee.

Years ago, I learned how to scuba dive, and got my advanced open water certification to do night dives and wreck diving. I loved exploring the underwater world of coral and fish.

People asked me if it was scary diving at night, and I said that I had my flashlight and no, I was never scared.

A light in the darkness makes the difference. The stories I have told, I hope, have done that.

Moving forward is the mission in all of us. Keep on. And keep on doing good.

Connect with me at ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com and Instagram @marychrismoss or on Substack at https://substack.com/@christinamayo1