Mr. Samuel and “My Friend”

Mr. Samuel and his wife, Edna, lived in a modular home in sunny Florida. When they retired, in 1999, they left the cold winds and ice storms of Minnesota far behind. Their home was spotless and cheerful, a gracious gathering place for neighbors who enjoyed stopping by for Edna’s homemade peach pie and coffee.

In February of that year Mr. Samuel, or Sam as the neighbors called him, went outside to pick up his morning paper. There on his driveway stood one of the largest cranes Sam had ever seen. He had the typical long neck and webbed feet, but instead of being white, this crane was dressed in gray and black feathers and at least two feet tall.

To be honest, Sam, had never seen a crane so large. They stared at each other for a few moments and then Sam said,

“Well, My Friend, how about I go inside and get a slice of toast for you?”

Coming back out Sam broke the toast into small pieces and placed them on the grass. My Friend ate each one as though he hadn’t eaten in days. The next morning, My Friend, was back on the driveway and so was Sam. Thus began a daily ritual with each of them enjoying their time together. “Mrs. Sam” was not pleased with My Friend’s daily visits, but she went along with the program. Six years passed and every morn Sam and My Friend began their day together. Then one day, Sam wasn’t there. His wife came out the kitchen door, her face marked with tears.

“He’s gone,” she cried. And My Friend hung his head low as though he understood.

It has been two years now since Sam died, but every day, if you drive by his home, you can see My Friend there on the driveway waiting. Sometimes Mrs. Sam will give him a piece of toast, sometimes not.

This story is incredible because it’s true. We saw My Friend last week, ever faithful, ever waiting. Perhaps, the birds, the animals and the fish, all members of God’s kingdom, possess rare gifts just as we do. Many of us have read and heard stories about the loyalty of dogs and horses, but I must admit this is the first one we’ve ever heard about a crane. How about you?