My Best Friend

It’s not who you think

Note: this contains comments on the incident in Uvalde in May.

In life, there are events in which you can remember just like it was yesterday. Some obvious examples were JFK’s assassination, who shot JR, 9/11, or any famous celebrities’ death. I did not know Princess Diana but still feel sad at tragic demise and how it’s effects still seem to play out right now between her two sons relationships with each other.

Additionally there are those moments that happen in your personal life. Something shocking happens, and you remember where you were but there’s maybe not a strong emotional connection to that. The first real time where an event like a celebrity death really affected me was when a helicopter crashed down in Calabasas in early 20. I was not a fan nor did I necessarily like this celebrity but when I found out, I had to go walk around Central Park to try to process it. At the time, I worked at ABC News and to be in that office working with employees who knew the person who perished was eye opening. In this particular event, Washington Post reporter, Ben Golliver, wrote about how fans flocked to where the event happened and how a humble minister was there to provide solace and comfort to those hurting. I think about that pastor a lot and try to do the same thing in my daily life.

Why am I talking about this on a post about my best friend? Well because of May 23/24 of this year. First, on the evening of the 23rd, I decided to go to Jack’s (by far the best convenience store in San Angelo) to get a drink. However, before I could get there I was in a serious accident that totaled my car. After I went to the hospital, I came home and slept the rest of the morning. However. when I woke up, I saw that an event had happened at an elementary school very close to me. Even worse, one of the victims was from San Angelo and my family knew someone who taught him. When things like this happen, I try to avoid everything and just lie in bed trying to not think about what just happened.

However, there was someone who would not let me do that. His name: Wally? He’s a rescue dog who I’ve spent a lot of time with just taking care of him. In a time where I struggled a lot , he was there for me. Right now, he is my best friend. I’m currently in the process of applying for a fuller trained service puppies (golden retrievers, St. Bernard’s, and Blue heelers), and I have no doubt in my mind my best friend Wally will adjust to having a new best friend. All I know is I’m so thankful he was there for me when I needed him most.

P.s. BTW after asking for his permission to write about him, he told me I could if only I could plug his instagram: @wallywhernandez