It happened in the blink of an eye.

My car keys flew out of my hand into the narrow space between the driver’s seat and the console. That deep, dark cavernous space would not allow my fingers to reach down and grab them. I could drive the car without holding the keys, but I needed to return the car to the airport rental agency. Ideally, with the keys in hand.

I needed a tall thin object to push the keys out of their hiding space. Although my purse is usually a treasure trove of miscellaneous objects, I found no solutions there.

I drove to my sister’s house and rummaged through kitchen drawers until I spied a red spatula. Yes! I grabbed my handy little savior and dashed to my rental car. The little red spatula saved my sanity.

All of us need our own version of a red spatula from time to time. It may be a friend, a family member, or a self-help book. Something or someone to help us out of a jam. Or to support us when we need a safe landing spot.

It’s healthy to admit we need someone to count on during life’s challenges and transitions.  Someone to smile when we celebrate our milestones and triumphs. Or provide emotional support during crises. Validate our self-worth.

My trusty little red spatula was there for me when I needed it.

I hope each of you has your own red spatula.