Special Friends

I’m fortunate to have lots of friends both young and old. It never fails that when one of my kid’s from New City – Barrio Nuevo gets injured in school I’ll get a call if they aren’t able to reach a parent or grandparent. This last week it was actually the uncle at work that called me and asked if I could come and get Ruby who had taken a plunge off of the playground equipment and needed stitches. I was only minutes away so I quickly made it too the school.

I’m usually not too shocked by blood or normal injuries. My little friend was in the nurses’ office lying on a bed with Band-Aids all over her chin and lip. She had actually bitten through her lip and also needed stitches on her chin. I could tell that she was still in shock but quickly responded to my coming.  I had to sign out with the school office and talked with the nurse about what happened. I escorted Ruby to my truck and helped her climb into the back seat and got her settled.

We drive to the closest urgent care which was just minutes away. I had been at this facility before with her grandma who had an appointment. The unfortunate thing was the long line waiting to just check into the facility. I knew that we would have to go to the real ER at the hospital about 15 minutes away. Just as we are deciding to leave her uncle shows up and takes over. We talked a little then he took off and I delivered her backpack and belongings home to grandma.

My heart broke for this little one who was hurt but she was fortunate to have a mom, uncle, grandparents and me who could come to her rescue. The challenge for me is that I work and live in an underserved community where too often there isn’t a parent or grandparent to care and give that extra TLC or come to someone’s rescue. I will be the first to recognize that there isn’t any substitute for a mom or dad regardless of the circumstances.

I see the need for having special friends who can be called upon to help whether that is in an emergency or just to talk. The challenge today is that our texting and social media driven society is reluctant to talk face to face or just hang out. I admit how much easier it is to text, e-mail or FB someone instead of just calling or actually going over to their house. As I’m finishing this blog I get a text that expresses it best when someone calls me their close friend who is like a brother to them.

I was glad to pick up my little friend but would have much rather had it been under different circumstances. Yes friends of all different types are a needed part of my life journey!