A New Year A New Friend

I had slept in and had minutes to get to my rehab appointment. No time for my morning tea.

Afterwards, sitting in my car, finally drinking my first cup of the day, I saw her. Walking in the bitter wind, coming from far down the street with only a short jacket and no hat to protect her from the cold. I could tell her legs were weakening. I could tell they weren't strong. She walked like me. She stopped to rest and wipe her nose then resumed the arduous task.

Her clothes were new, her hair was neat and nice. But the cold was beating her back. I knew that I couldn't do that walk. And I wondered how could she? And how could I offer help?

I slowly pulled up beside her and asked if she needed a ride, said it's too cold to be walking, asked if I could help. She said I was an angel, she hadn't known it was so cold out, didn't know if she could make it home.

Where do you live?

Near the church she answered.

That's my church I said.

She was many blocks from home and I still don't know how she managed the walk. She called me her angel again and said her legs were about to give out. I said I couldn't drive away without offering help. I said I have trouble walking too and I could tell her legs weren't going to make it any further.

We found out so much about each other in just a few minutes. Both our husbands passed away within the same time about 11 years ago. She's from Hamilton, I'm from Toronto. She moved here after her stroke to be closer to her daughter. She had been to my church a few times but only when her sister visits on holidays. The last time she went she sat on the bench near the door and someone gave her a prayer book. She said whenever she is lonely she says that prayer and feels better. She said she doesn't know many people here, doesn't have many friends. Could we have tea together? Could we meet at church?

Yes, I said. And I'll be your friend.