Sparky Saved My Life Today

He really, REALLY did. I’ll go to my grave believing that. Because today I may have found out why Sparky and I ended up together.

Now, those of you that read my stuff regularly know that I don’t go for the “everything happens for a reason” stuff. I’ve always thought people said that to help them deal with things they can’t comprehend or understand, and that by believing that there’s some Master Plan behind terrible events in their lives it helps them to cope.

Today I second guessed myself for that line of thinking.

It happened on Bridge Street. I was stopped at the intersection in front of Roosters, heading north. On my right was the off-ramp from Route 35. Spark was on the seat beside me, sleeping.

Or so I thought.

When the light turned green, I started pulling out. At that point Sparky started yowling, just screeching and bellowing like I’d never heard before. I naturally looked at him to see what was wrong, and he was looking quickly back-and-forth between me and out the window.

It was then that I saw it.

An 18-wheeler carrying automobiles had come flying down the off-ramp, shot right through the red light and barreled through the intersection not 5-feet from my front fender. It shot by me and, as I watched, crossed the intersection and on to what I assume was the auto dealership behind Roosters.

For a second I froze, then felt my knees become weak and start shaking. As I drove on I felt a lick on my elbow. I then had a moment of total clarity as I looked at my best friend, who was staring up at me.

That’s why you came to me.

I know, maybe I’m crazy. But I do know for certain that he saw that truck coming.

And he warned me.

Otherwise I’m 99% sure I wouldn’t be typing this right now.

I always knew that Spark came along at just the right time in my life, precisely when I needed a little unconditional love, a true friend, somebody who would accept me and love me in spite of my many faults. Yep, he’d already saved me in a lot of ways.

But today? He literally saved my life.