Never Alone

Ten year old Noah is quiet but nice boy. He never stirs any commotion or strays to far from his Pa's farm. Unfortunately he has no friends and is usually the butt of the jokes and pranks at school. One day Noah and his dog Kole are going down to the creek to go fishing and Noah has the perfect spot picked out to enjoy a good day. The spot is something to behold. Grass greener than a painter can imagine. The grass so green and fluffy you can't help to walk barefoot on it. The trees hang just over the flowing water and cast a nice light and shadow ratio. The moss from the trees hangs just above the water and creates a beautiful view that young Noah loves to go to and sometimes just watch the Largemouth Bass swim out and enjoy the day. Today is different for Noah. Today he is not going to bask in the pleasant view. He is going to catch those bass and bring them back to his Pa for supper. Noah's plan is fool proof he knows that his Pa will be happy to see him have put forth such an effort out his own will. With all of his tackle and rod he marches down to the creek in full glee. Kole running around happy to be around for the adventure. Noah gets up to the spot plops down and gets to getting his rod and reel ready to make the first cast. For some reason Kole will not stop barking. Noah turns around to scold the poor dog but notices a boy about is age standing in the shadows of the nearby Oak tree. Noah says "You dirty ain't ya?". The boy says back "yeah and what of it." Noah taken back a little by the harshness in the boy's voice says "hey whats a matter with you? I ain't done nothin to ya. who are you?" The boy says "Im Ash." in a lower more sorrow tone. Noah says "why don't ya jump in down yonder and clean off then come back up here to fish with me." Ash says "why would I fish with you? We don't know each other and you only gots one rod and reel." Noah says "well it looks like you ain't got no friends and all I gots is a dog and he don't talk much." Ash slowly get his clothes off. He then slowly walks into the water and cleans himself up all the while his head is hung so low his chin might as well be touching his chest. Finally Ash makes it up to the spot and Noah says "alright you can go first" and passes the rod and reel to Ash. The boys make eye contact and smile. The two young boys fish all day and catch nothing. Noah gets his things together and asks Ash if he would want to come to his house for supper. Ash says "really? you want me to come over and eat?" Noah says "well yeah your my friend now and Pa won't mind seeing as it is always just me and him." The two boys make it home and Pa is delighted that they tried to catch food for them but he was prepared regardless. As they all sit down to eat all smiling and happy both boys think to themselves "I made my first friend today."

This story is a reminder that no matter the circumstances everyone needs a friend. Friends are there for you because they want to be. This story is simple but it really hits home for me. You can never have to many friends and it always feels good to be a good one. Lets this story be a reminder to always put your heartaches to the side when you see someone in need. Whether it be little Ash all dirty or an old woman at the store who needs help with her groceries. I wrote this story with a quote in mind from my favorite movie. The quote is "No man is a failure who has friends." it is from the movie It's A Wonderful Life. To all who will read this I say why not make a new friend today.