Joy Jot #13 Walking Friends
Six years ago.
I remember it being dark and wet. A somber post-Halloween morning. As I drove down main street toward the junior high, the road was blocked, cars backed up, police lights on. We wound our way through side streets wondering what happened.
Two friends and a dog had been on their way to “the hollow”, our local nature trail. As they crossed main street both women were hit by cars. One friend, Mary*, was pronounced dead at the scene. June* was life-flighted to the hospital.
I knew both angel women. They were neighbors and good friends.
Weeks later, I heard June speak about her road to healing in such an exquisite way, tears rolled down my cheeks.
I understood her desire to want to do what she could do before. I understood her missing her friend.
Shortly after the accident I was driving down Main Street like I do. It was in the morning and ladies were walking or running around Kaysville in twos. I thought of Mary and June—how they were good friends and how they needed each other and how women need women friends and men need men friends. We need our friends—and we walk in twos lifting each other’s burdens. This moment was impactful. I realized that being a good friend to others and being thankful for my friends was a way to honor Mary, who passed away.
Sometimes my friends and I joke about solving the world’s problems on our walks. But you know what? I think we are. One conversation at a time.
Who can you invite on a walk today?
Whose burden can you lift by walking side by side?
In gratitude to all my walking friends…
I love you.
Amy
*names have been changed
P.S. This clip is funny.
Walking friends for stress relief (How to save lives) by Karen Morgan | Clean Comedy
