While walking my dog, Quay, I noticed two Jack Russell Terriers running side by side. They were tethered by a leather strap, with enough slack to let them roam a bit, but not so much that they seemed in danger of becoming entangled. The man with them was not holding a leash, so the pups were on their own, as it were. It made me think about the “buddy system” from my days in elementary school. When planning for field trips, the teacher would pair off the students so that we could look out for one another while on the bus and in the art museum.

Recently my friend Heather had to have three, count them three, root canals. Her first day after the procedure went fine, and then, well…then came the call.

“Can you come drive me to the doctor’s office? Something’s wrong with one of my root canals, and I’ve lost so my wallet so I don’t have my driver’s license or any money.”

“On my way,” I said. Heather and I are not longtime friends, just two years in the making, but our friendship is as solid and deep as any I’ve known. When she has a thorny situation on her mind, I listen, and vice versa. If one of us gets a craving for those fancy Mexican popsicles, we indulge. Should I need a little extra encouragement at the gym, Heather plays cheerleader. 

“Thank you for helping me today,” she mumbled after her root canal had been remedied and we had been to Wild Oats for some comfort food.

“You’re welcome,” I said. “Now can I take your picture for the Her Spirit blog?”

Amy Lyles Wilson