In Our Times

All eyes were on this dear woman as she carried her groceries home.  I think we all felt a desire to help her, but I wonder if she would have accepted or taken me for a thief if I had offered.  One of the things I have always appreciated living in Italy is that older people tend to be more independent from my experience in America (and independent of a car living in cities or small towns where most essential necessities can be reached by walking).  And secondly, also the sense of family and social empathy that you can feel in this picture.