I thought of Garth Brooks’ famous song when I saw this picture I’d snapped of my sweet friend Rocky as he was coming out to say hello.  I do not often listen to country music, but my mother instilled in me an appreciation for Willie Nelson, and I have always loved anything by the group Alabama.  My favorite music is mariachi and I never even took Spanish.  I do not care for Linda Ronstadt’s music in English but in my opinion she is the greatest mariachi singer of all time, in a genre dominated by men.  For as long as I can remember I have carried a deep adoration for sacred liturgical music:  particularly Biebl’s “Ave Maria”, Grieg’s “Ave Maris Stella”, Cesar Franck’s “Panis Angelicus”, and Allegri’s “Miserere Mei, Deus” just to name a few.  I used to sing quite a bit but stopped in college.  Now I just sing alone for pleasure.  Of course I’ve been singing to my little one since the moment I found out I was carrying her.  But I digress.  Every morning when I fill our fountains outside my little friend here pops up for a visit.  I look forward to my time with him as I realize our friendship is on his terms.  He blends in so well with the river rocks I know it is his choice as to whether or not he wishes to see me.  I love patting his head and now he lets me rub his belly.  I always say hello and we have a quiet time of reflection while I slowly pet his textured skin.  When I hold him I can feel his heart beating in my hands and I am humbled by his trust.  My daddy always told me to be kind to everyone on the ladder of life; that I might see some of those same people on the way down.  American author and clergyman Henry Van Dyke once said, “A friend is what the heart needs all the time.”  With seemingly so many striving to climb superficial social ladders, I have learned to truly appreciate the value of friends in low places.