For a year and a half, Keith Tidwell and Debbie Rhoden barely spoke, not even knowing each other’s names.
Their friendship began unexpectedly at a Kroger on North Avenue in Macon. Tidwell works the night shift in the produce section, which is where they first met.
That, however, changed when Rhoden was driving on Gray Highway and saw Tidwell beginning his approximately five-mile walk to work. Tidwell, who lives in Jones County, says this walk typically takes him about an hour and 45 minutes.
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Rhoden says she decided to stop, after recognizing Tidwell from her local grocery store.
“I said that looked like the young guy that works at Kroger. So I turned around, went back and got him,” Rhoden told 13 WMAZ.
Before Rhoden offered him a ride that day, Tidwell’s only options for getting to and from work were often dark and risky walks or bike rides. So, he decided to take a chance when she pulled over.
“I don’t really know her that much, but I decided to take a chance,” Tidwell said.
Their unexpected bond began a year and a half ago with that initial ride; now, Rhoden drives Tidwell home multiple times weekly.
Rhoden, however, was also grappling with her own struggles. She shared that her son, Carlos Hill, had passed away just a few months before she first offered Tidwell a ride.
She now finds comfort and a connection to her son’s loving spirit since he enjoyed helping others, just like this ongoing act of kindness.
“I think he would have wanted me to pick him up and take him to work, especially when he knew how far he have to walk at night,” Rhoden said.
The daily, year-round rides have resulted in an unexpected Friendship. Tidwell feels safer, and their connection has grown into something much deeper than a casual acquaintance.
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“It’s pretty nice. She’s nice to me. And I mean I learned that she has a brother,” Tidwell said.
Rhoden says she’s grateful she pulled the car over that day and says she had no hesitation letting a stranger into her car and her life.
“I was not nervous at all because I felt like I was doing a good thing, taking him to work, get him to work safe, so hey, I wasn’t nervous,” Rhoden said.
Although Tidwell is working toward getting his driver’s license for more independence, his close friendship with the woman who has driven him for the past year will continue even when he no longer needs rides.
