Last week, I arrived in Lewiston from Portland to place flowers on my parents’ grave. I was disappointed to find the main gate at Riverside Cemetery locked.

The grave site is at a farther end. I am 90 years old; carrying a large container of flowers that distance was not an option.

I was pondering what I was going to do when a police cruiser came by. The car stopped and I told the officer my problem. After he made several calls, with no results, he looked at me and said, “Can you walk?” I said “yes.”

He took my large container of flowers and we walked to the site. He offered his arm whenever I needed it while balancing the flowers.

He allowed me time at the grave site and, on the return trip, we shared stories and got more acquainted. I told him that I graduated from Lewiston High School and I learned that he had nine years in as a policeman, etc.

I shared my concern about my daughter, as she was having tests that might show if she had cancer.

When we returned to my car, he asked, “What is your daughter’s name?”

I told him and he said, “Can I say a little prayer for her?”

I have never hugged a policeman before, but I gave “Nate” a well-deserved hug.

And his prayer worked. So, in return, I will keep Nate, and all policemen who do their best to keep people safe, in my prayers.

Faith Shaw Rogers, Portland