Talk to the residents of the Good Samaritan Village Assisted Living Retirement Community, and you soon learn that America or at least this community is not so much a melting pot as a beautiful mosaic. The residents here come from every section of the United States, as well as various countries and cultures. Although they have lived in Florida for many years and in other states for a lifetime or at least decades, their identity with their culture is strong; and if you ask, they are eager to share stories of the land they left behind.

These residents were uprooted from their homes when Hurricane Ian flooded their assisted living facility. They take refuge now at a Red Cross shelter at Oceola Heritage Park dedicated to their medical needs.

This Red Cross worker popped into the shelter at dinner time recently. Spotting a table with an empty seat, she sat down and introduced herself. She was welcomed immediately.

Pedro T. Granda, with a big grin beneath his glasses and baseball cap, was the first to introduce himself. More timid was Ann Brasili, with her soft white hair framing a shy smile. Ann wouldn't share much about herself, although she told us that she had retired here from Minnesota. But Pedro made up for her silence.

Pedro was eager for conversation. He shared that he was from Ecuador, a country he proudly described as his home from the Andes Mountains, spectacular volcanoes and Provincia Cuenca, a popular settlement for American retirees.

Although he misses his childhood home, Pedro is a proud American. He immigrated in 1965 to New York City, following his brother, who had come, worked and saved money, and mailed a plane ticket to Pedro. Sadly, Pedro had to leave his wife and two young sons in Ecuador. But he came, he said, "for the work and to give them a better life."

Pedro worked hard at many different jobs and saved his money. The second year, he was able to send for his wife, who put their sons in the care of grandparents until they could be reunited. The third year, the family was reunited.

His journey was a difficult one. Although the American Red Cross accepts and is eager to assist anyone in need without regard to their citizenship status, Pedro insisted that we knew that he had come "legally," he said, "I did it the right way. I had a green card." As was expected at his arrival in 1965, he registered for the United States military draft; however, he was told that his age of 27 was too old to be drafted. So, he went to work.

And the work was tough. “They worked me like a donkey,” he said. “But I worked. I saved money.”

Years passed, and Pedro began to realize his dreams. He said, “I got a new car. I bought a house. I took care of my family.”

Last to join our table was Cecelia Aramalay, as she pushed her walker over and eased into her seat.

"I came to work, too," said Cecilia with a proud smile. Cecilia said she is from the island of “Trinidad, or Trinidad and Barbados.” Looking for a better way to support her children, Cecilia answered an advertisement for employment as a housekeeper in the United States.

But they worked me like a slave,” she said, “or worse than a slave.”

Despite the hardship, she worked and saved and was finally able to bring her children to the United States.

Speak to any of the residents of Good Samaritan residents who are now staying in the Heritage Park shelter, and you will find that each one has a special story. They may be far from their childhood homes or far from any family members, but their memories are keen, and they are eager to share their life journeys. They also have a keen perspective on their lives and their fortunes.

When asked why she decided to come to the United States, Cecilia had a quick answer.

"To me, you," she said. She flashed a quick smile and added, "You know, the good Lord knows everything. He knows what will happen and who we will meet. He has it under control."

Sometimes what we need is a little perspective.