Like it or not, along life’s journey, we all need help one time or another.

I really don’t like asking anyone for help with anything. It’s not my nature to ask for anything, but when help is offered in a sincere manner, I’m not one to refuse. I’ve been around the old proverbial block so many times it would make your head spin.

There have been many times in my life that friends have come to my aid. There have been times when I didn’t even know the bond of friendship existed between us when someone offered to assist.

Isn’t that often the way a true friendship begins? Someone you casually know extends an offer to help, and in the process, the bond of true friendship occurs.

While working in my garden last fall, I was trying to fly without a license, and I had a crash landing.

Many people extended their hand of friendship to the extent that both chief of police and fire chief wrote a prescription, which I am to have on my person at all times that reads: “My name is Betty Heath, and I am not allowed to work in my rock gardens at any time without supervision.”

I’ve had many of you (my wonderful readers) offer to do many things for me from chauffeuring, cooking, cleaning, etc. I know these offers have all been sincere, and I have sincerely appreciated each and every one of them.

I have said many times that Carbon Valley has the best sense of togetherness and camaraderie than any place I’ve ever lived.

People have seen me about town and have stopped to ask if I am indeed Betty Heath who writes that column that appears in the Times-Call every Sunday.

I often wonder if I should admit that fact or if I should turn and run away. I’ve found it better to just face the music and acknowledge the fact that I am indeed that person while holding my breath hoping for the best.

I have not been disappointed each time I’ve had the privilege of meeting many of you on my journeys around the area.

Helping someone should be second nature to us all. Often, life just gets in the way of living, and we find ourselves so busy we think we just don’t have time to extend a helping hand to a friend in need. It’s easier to wait and hope someone else helps out.

On the other hand, some people find it difficult to accept anyone’s helping hand. They either want to give the appearance that they are self-reliant and independent, or they are afraid it will be an imposition on the one who is offering to help.

Accepting kindness is often painful. It’s easier to reach out and help someone than to acknowledge your need for help. Accepting help often makes one feel weak and needy. People should realize that they are robbing someone of a bit of pure pleasure by refusing a friend’s offer to help.

By helping you, they help themselves. They know that you would help them if there was a need, so just allow them the pleasure of helping you. As in the words of a popular song, “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world.”

You’ve heard the old axiom, “What goes around comes around.” It holds true when you help someone in need or when you need someone to help you. Help someone today. It will make you both smile and strengthen that bond of friendship.

Email Betty Heath at begeheath690@aol.com.