I hate asking for help. I know it may sound a little crazy, but the truth is, I’m just one of those people who would much rather just do it myself then ask someone else for assistance.

Regardless, there have been a few times in my life when I have needed someone to get me out of some rather tough spots.

I remember one time several years ago when my car just turned off, leaving me stranded in the turning lane on Southeast Boulevard near Burger King. I was so embarrassed as I watched car after car approach my own, realize that I had broken down and pass me. I actually felt a little bit scare being in such a tough spot at 5 p.m.

During that time, I got on my cell phone and called my dad to see if he could help me. As I finished my conversation, I saw an old friend of mine, Kevin, approach my car, roll down his window and ask in my time of need, “You need some help?”

I knew I had a look of fear plastered all over my face, and I couldn’t speak for some reason. All I could do was nod my head yes. He proceeded to park his vehicle and walk to the middle of the highway and look and see what the problem was. Now, I have no clue if he knew what he was doing, but he was there in my time of need.

Seemingly unsure what the problem with my car was, he proceeded to it in neutral and push it across the highway to the Burger King parking lot. During this time, I steered my car and prayed we would make it across. Once there, I sighed with relief, knowing that I was no longer in danger.

Now this happened several years ago, bu I am often reminded of what a good friend I had on that day. In fact, I have a tendency not to let him forget just how helpful he was. Every time he comes in for a meal in my mom’s restaurant, I almost always see to it that he gets a free meal or at least gets treated very well. After all, I think everyone who goes out of their way to help people should get that treatment.

Had it not been for Kevin that day, I probably would have made it off of the highway, but I wouldn’t have realized what a great friend I have, and it makes me wonder just how much I would do to help someone else. I bet I would help someone stalled in a highway. I would think back to what Kevin did for me, and pay it forward to the next person in need.

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.