The memory of one loving and courageous lady has lived with me for over 35 years.
The story started with Godfrey, an oversized pit bull who lived down the street from me in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, back in 1983.
His owner, rarely home, chained Godfrey to the tree in his front yard.
One morning, Godfrey had wrapped the chain around the tree so tightly his head was pressed up against the bark.
I strolled by, knowing I was safe from a stuck Godfrey. Then something amazing happened.
An elderly woman crossed the street to closely survey Godfrey’s predicament. I stopped to watch, concerned for the lady’s safety. She reached into a paper bag, took a piece of salami out from her sandwich and showed it to Godfrey. Aided by a walker, this lovely lady started to walk around the tree, just out of reach of a growling Godfrey. He followed her loops until he was totally disentangled.
Then, humming a sweet tune, the lovely lady slowly bent over and handed Godfrey the salami. She softly patted his broad shoulders. It’s the first time I ever saw anyone touch that pit bull.
Decades later, I still think of that caring and courageous lady. I’ve wanted to be more like her rather than that guy who just strolled by.