In my senior year, I was asked to be an escort for a wonderful lady and friend as she was nominated for homecoming queen. I accepted happily. It was only later that I learned of a small problem. While convertibles were provided for the homecoming court to ride in the homecoming parade, the escorts were expected to drive the car.

My problem? I was only fifteen and had only a learner’s permit. Plus, the car was a manual transmission, and I was learning on an automatic transmission. Solution: I asked a friend if he could drive, and I would ride in the back with my lady friend. It all worked out, and my friend was selected as the Homecoming Queen.

Nearly all my life I have benefited from others who have helped me out. It could have been in school, a project around the house, at work, or helping in the community. These blessings are a constant reminder to me that I am not alone. Nor that what “I” accomplish is really a “me” accomplishment. No, it is always a “we”. To repay those who have helped me so much and in so many ways, I am always on the lookout for ways to help others – a virtuous circle, so to speak.

There are many pictures from the Homecoming Game, the crown being placed on my friend, and the excitement of the moment. Yet the memory that lingers the most is my friend helping me out.