Charlie...

I like that name. I like the way it sounds and I like the feelings it evokes in me. I had a Grandpa Charlie when I was little. He and I had adventures together when I was very little, and he taught me to be fearless…..on the slide, anyway.

The Charlie I am thinking about right now is my Baby Brother. He is the Charlie who has been in my life the longest. And, lucky for me, he has always been my brother. In the best sense of the word. He is someone I can count on. He may be busy, but he will find time for me.

Yesterday was not a good day at work. It was a tiring day at the end of a tiring week. And it was very hot yesterday. I crawled in the door after work only to receive a phone call and have to go out again, to see another patient.

But Charlie was in town yesterday, for a memorial service. One of his best friend’s father died. I think Charlie still has every friend he ever made. And is in contact with them, still. He is just that kind of guy. A keeper.

He left his business card for me, in the mail basket, with a note that he had stopped by. He asked me to give him a call, and so I did. We had a nice talk, for about fifteen minutes, as I drove to my next patient’s house.

We chatted briefly about our kids, our lives, and our busy schedules. We promised—again—to keep in touch. He apologized for not responding to all the emails I send him, the ones that friends send to other friends. I reminded him that it wasn’t really about the content of the email; it was just to let him know that I am thinking about him.

Apparently, he called again last night. I didn’t hear my cell phone ring, so I missed the call. In his message, he asked if the number I called from was a work number, and if he could call me again using that number. He said he would like to get together at the beach, since we all love the ocean so much, and he will rent a house anywhere along the Pacific Ocean that I would like to stay….so we can get together and visit.

And he told me again how much he enjoyed talking to me and how important I am to him. I went to bed last night feeling connected: to my past, to my family, and to my Baby Brother.

And loved.