I Hoped She Wouldn’t See Me

As I passed Judy driving down the street, I remember thinking, Thank goodness. She’s going the other direction, and I won’t have to talk to her.

Don’t get me wrong. Usually I enjoyed visiting with Judy. She is a sunshine person, with a smile that doesn’t stop and a personality to match. Her whole life seemed to be well put together. She was just about the last person I wanted to see when nothing in my life felt right.

I was having a difficult time adjusting to a teenager who was challenging our family standards. No matter what my husband and I tried or did, we could not seem to help this child. I felt as if part of me was dying as I struggled with this hurt and pain.

But there were things that had to be done, so here I was driving to the grocery store, hoping I wouldn’t see anyone.

My relief at seeing Judy going the other way was short-lived. She swung her car around and flagged me down. I donned my smiling face and tried to pretend all was right in my life. Judy got out of her car, walked over, and got into mine.

She got right to the point. “Will you do something for me?” she asked. I told her I’d try. She said, “I want to start going to the temple on a weekly basis with you. Can you arrange your time so we can?”

I told her I could. She also invited our whole family over for dinner the next Sunday. Only a real friend would do all the work necessary to have a family of eight come to dinner! I always knew Judy was special, but I was seeing just how true a friend she was. She also offered to fast with me.

Judy put her caring into action. When she stepped out of my car, I knew I was not alone in my problems. Even though Judy is a busy lady with lots to do, she took time out to stand by me. For over a year, we went to the temple together every week. Those trips were like a retreat into the comforting arms of my Heavenly Father. Because of them, I made it through a difficult time. I thank my Heavenly Father for a friend like Judy.