Walking across the campus at New Danville the other day, I witnessed a great, yet simple, expression of humanity.  We all are, truly, in this together and what I saw reminded me of the positive potential of that truth.

New Danville is where I work. It is a rural, nonprofit community for special needs adults and those who need similar services. A young man was walking around the pavilion with another young man several steps behind. The leader was clearly agitated, evidenced by his hand motions and the speed at which he spoke. I was too far away to understand what the two young men were saying, but it was obvious that the man who was following was responding to comments shared by the leader.

Around the pavilion they went.  And again. I observed from a distance to make sure everything was okay. Thanks to the follower-friend, the leader was calming down. I heard the follower ask, “Are you happy now? Are you okay now?”  The leader nodded, replied with a “Yes,” and the walk continued.  I recognized the man in the lead as someone who has been troubled lately, sometimes bursting out in frustration. The direct support professionals always quickly respond to help him through whatever is going on, but today, it was patient friendship that served as remedy before a bursting point was reached.

Patience.  Following, not trying to control, listening, checking in, repeated by more of the same.  Then, peace. Maybe for a short period, but peace nonetheless. That looks like a formula that could work for most of us in most situations, whether we need a friend’s help or we are providing it.