A WALK IN THE PARK What a difference two days can make!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Although the signs of spring were plentiful in northwest Arkansas, they multiplied before my eyes as I traveled south on interstate 540, descended into the Arkansas River valley, then continued further south on highway 71. Finally, a turn east on 270 took me to Hot Springs, a city decked out in full spring dress.

During the long drive, Ihad plenty of time to wonder what the next couple of days would hold. I knew I would have to play it by ear once I arrived; but honestly, I wished for a step-by-step instruction manual, one that would give me more confidence that I would know just the right things to say and do, so that my presence would truly prove beneficial to my hurting friend.

Trips to the spa city have always provided fun getaways in the past, but this time I was on a more somber mission. I went there to spend some time doing my best to support Patty, my friend since childhood who had just arrived from Wyoming to deal with the loss of her father earlier in the week. In some ways the cheerful spring landscape before me seemed at odds with the situation at hand.

Patty has no siblings and her mother passed away several years ago. I could only imagine how hard this was going be for her. Growing up in a brood that included six children andmany other relatives living nearby, it was unthinkable to me that someone would have to face this kind of situation without the benefit of other shoulders to lean on. The best I could do was to offer her mine.

Once I arrived in Hot Springs, my role became evident pretty quickly. Naturally, Patty had a lot of business to take care of and I was able to drive her to all the places she needed to go. I like it when I figure out what my job is.

Although there was much to get done, the two of us had time in the car to reminisce about the past, make guesses about the future,and share memories of her dad. We went to his house and Patty gathered some things she wanted to keep. By late afternoon, the immediate things had been accomplished and we decided to tour Marvin Gardens, a local botanical garden. Not surprisingly, spending time surrounded by the magnificent display of thousands upon thousands of tulips in bloom in a setting of winding wooded pathways and waterfalls proved to be a tranquil way to draw an end to what had been a busy and stressful day.

By the time I was ready to head back to northwest Arkansas the next morning, Icould tell that Patty was doing better. Her load was not quite as heavy as it had been and I knew that ultimately she would be OK. I was glad I had come to offer what help I could, and I know she appreciated my attempt to support her. On my return trip, the joy of spring once again greeted me at every turn and I was amazed by the difference two days can make.

Annette Rowe is a freelance writer from rural Gentry and a speech-language pathologist at Siloam Springs High School. She may be reached by e-mail at awalkinthepark50 @ yahoo.com.

Opinion, Pages 6 on 03/30/2011