Best Friend: Coming through in cafeteria crisis

By Matthew Roy
The Virginian-Pilot
© May 24, 2008

NORFOLK

It was a small item, but it loomed large and frightening in the lives of first-graders and best friends Teondre Minor and Joshua Murphy.

It was a fruit treat. And it was lodged in Teondre's throat.

This all happened a few weeks ago in the cafeteria at Oceanair Elementary School. Joshua had offered his pal the snack. Teondre gulped it too quickly, then grasped his throat.

"I'm choking," he rasped.

Joshua stood up. He'd seen the Heimlich maneuver demonstrated on television. The 7-year-old boy got behind his friend, wrapped his arms around him and squeezed. And then he got the attention of a guidance counselor, Merlyn Blackwood.

By the time she got to Teondre, the food was dislodged, said Principal Lawrence Taylor. Teondre said it wound up in his tummy. The boys said Blackwood encouraged Teondre to sip his milk.

Teondre has no doubt that Joshua saved him. Recounting the story Friday, he said they're closer than ever.

Teondre said, "He's like my brother."

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