NE COOL, BRISK AUTUMN AFTERNOON I decided to go for a long walk, enjoy the beautiful day and clear my mind of everyday worries. It was a stressful time in my life, and I thought the walk would do me good. The sun had begun to set and dusk was arriving. I was thoroughly enjoying the view of spectacular houses along a beautiful tree-lined street.

As I approached a street corner, I noticed a young man with sunglasses and a hooded sweatshirt, pacing back and forth. He would walk out toward the street, then back to the corner. I continued my brisk walk and passed the young man as he continued to pace. When I got about ten feet past him, he turned and started following me, quickly closing distance between us.

I did not know if this young man’s intentions were harmful or not, but his fast pace towards me alarmed me. I kept walking briskly down the sidewalk, wondering what my next move would be if he did get too close to me. As my mind raced, a wonderful large, golden-colored dog, with a big friendly smile and wagging tail, came running toward me from the opposite direction. I was thinking, “This is great—I have a would-be mugger behind me and a possible attack dog in front of me.” I started saying “Hello, fella,” to the dog and he slowed his pace, walked right up to me and placed his head under my hand.

He acted as if he had always known me and we stood there as I scratched his ears and lovingly patted his head. His presence made me feel safe. I turned to see where the young man was. He looked at us, stopped and then turned down another street. I kneeled down to hug my knight-in-golden-armor and thanked him for coming along when he did. I told him I had to be on my way and said goodbye.

I took a few steps and then turned to look back at my hero one last time, but the dog was nowhere in sight. He had vanished as quickly as he appeared.

I will always believe he was a guardian angel who rescued me in my time of need.

Sherry Rivera
Associate
CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital
Beaumont, Texas