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My new theme song You Find Out Who Your Friends Are", is playing.  I stop to listen. And I begin recalling those that have proven to be friends over the past, hummm, almost a  month, after my heart attack.   

Allen and Peggy are friends.  They own the Riverside Cafe that is across the river from where I live.  Just up the road about 2 miles, cross the bridge, downriver less than a mile.  The restaurant they opened   recently is at the location of a long time favorite 'watering hole' for many.  I first discovered what was then called Silkey's, about 15 years ago.  I had transferred from one post office to another in the neighboring county.   In was a comfortable twenty minute drive home, no detours required.  Over the years, I made many acquaintances and a few friends.  It was the community kind of place to go.  There were constructions workers, lawyers, electricians, CPA,s, carpenters, iron-workers, farmers, regional managers, insurance salesmen, politicians, the maillady!    The perfect bar! 

A close friend had delivered the news the day after when he had gotten word.  A card was bought, and everyone signed it.  It cheered me!  But after a week in the hospital, a week recuperating at the farm with Mother (until she felt comfortable with me being alone and me whining I wanted my own bed)   I was home and out and about a little.

After the first day of cardiac rehab, I stopped by for a good unsweetened iced tea.    It was a wonderful "homecoming". Rosey ran from behind the bar to give me the biggest hug!  Melinda in the kitchen heard the commotion.  Another big hug!  A few other people that I know greeted me warmly and I responded  with hugs all around.  "So good to see you", they all said.   "Not near as good as seeing you!" I would answer.  We laughed, I told my story.  It was all good.

Not long after the excitement of my arrival!  Allen came it.  I got the big hug and interested concern.  Anyone who knows me knows: I have no insurance, no disability, no work-no pay.  He excused himself to attend to a supply salesman.  I went home shortly after.   I had had a big day!! 

I had been home about an hour when my phone rang.  It was Allen.  He said again how good it was to see me today.  He lamented, " I have known you for years, Pam!  I was pretty freaked out and shocked getting the news."  "Yea, I know what you mean, so was I", I laughed.   He then asked, "Can we do something for you?". His tone was that I sensed that he already had something in mind.  "What do you mean, Allen?"  I was beginning to get choked up.  "Will you please come over here and eat?  Just come whenever you need to... once, twice a day....whatever you need."  I felt the tears spring to my eyes, over-flowing to run down my face.  The phone went silent.  We had lost our connection somehow.  Less than a couple of minutes later, giving me time to compose myself and take in what he had just offered, the phone rang again.  "I drove through a dead spot and lost you, sorry. And to finish what I was saying, it goes on  my tab."   "I, we, want to do this for you."   What could I do?  I had just found out who one of my friends were.  I graciously thanked him and said I would see him soon. 

I have kept track of how many times I have been there so far.  I don't think Allen is.  I will not take advantage of this generous outpouring of friendship, but I will go if I need to .  In this case, I have truly found out who my friends are.  And there are others....other stories for other days.