The Last Word

Friend. It’s a word that gets bandied about a lot. You’re friends with

the neighbor who says, “Hi,” every morning as he jogs by, with the

co-worker you see on your coffee break, with the person you sat next to

in second grade.

But once in a while there comes an example of what friendship can mean

at its deepest levels. Take the tale of Richard Kanzler, a Newport Beach

dad who became paralyzed last September after a motorcycle accident.

Kanzler’s struggle to get back to the routines of daily life has been

helped by his circle of friends. Like Andy Wolfe and Steve O’Daly, who

come to Kanzler’s home a few times a week to help with stretching

exercises. Like Kent Barkouras, who donated a standing frame to help his

pal out. Like Tom Casey, who does household chores for his neighbor. And

like David Foel, who is making Kanzler’s home wheelchair friendly.

They truly are brightening up Kanzler’s darkest nights. Kudos to them

all.