Caught at the Crossroads

 

 

Every Town has its rhythm. The same cars and trucks roll through at the same time every morning, the same people stop at the same coffee shop to pick up their cup of joe for the ride to work, the stores open, the town comes alive.

Part of that rhythm includes Helen and Judy, who walk across the One Gray Center parking lot each morning, adorned in neon orange vests and their laughter trailing behind.

Helen Hall and Judy Neal have been friends since they were 11 years old and in grade school together. Judy lives in New Gloucester and Helen lives in Gray, and at least five days a week they find a way to be together- they walk.

Judy drives to Helen's and the pair walk for four miles. "Two miles up, breakfast at McDonald's, and then two miles back," Judy says. "It makes us feel better, we get to spend some time together, and, after all, it's cheap psychiatry!" Judy explains. Helen says that they chat and relax together and it's 'their' time for each other.

The Monument: Prata photo