An Unexpected Friendship

by

Patti Dickinson

It doesn't happen very often. Usually unexpectedly. Usually not in the ordinary make-a-friend venue.

Her name is Terri. She is a critical care nurse at the VA Hospital here in Kansas City. She is a transplant from New Orleans ("Naw-lins"). This woman exudes energy, kindness, compassion. This is the woman a close friend would go to when the wheels fell off his/her life. This is the woman that you would trust with your biggest secrets. Maybe even what you weigh.

We have never shared a meal. We have never even had a cup of coffee together. She and I have exchanged dozens of emails b/c she is the chairperson of Warrior Welcome at our kids' middle school. This is a day when the whole school population comes to get id pictures taken, get schedules, locker numbers and combinations, PE uniforms, School Supplies and Spirit Wear. She has a son who is an incoming seventh grader. Terri has never even participated in Warrior Welcome but she said "YES" when I asked her to chair this committee. Not "yes" or "Yes" but "YES". Get my point?

She and I have had the full range of conversations in the three times we have been together. We have laughed, talked of middle school struggles, her move from New Orleans to Kansas City. Our mutual admiration for the elementary school principal where our kids both attended school, but not at the same time. We very quickly moved from the polite, canned conversations usually referred to as chit chat. Nice to bypass that stage completely and dive right into the stuff that matters, without even feeling like we've skipped a step.

Terri lights up a room, reassures everyone that has signed up to help that they are so appreciated. She is gracious, looks you right in the eye as she speaks. It is easy to see how her job working with veteran soldiers, returning home with serious injuries would thrive under her care.

She drives a bright yellow VB Bug. How ironic is that?

"Here comes the sun....."