My Hero

I have a new Hero. His name is Rick. We've been friends for years.

He is the best friend of MY best friend's husband. We are "third wheels".

We attend their family events. My friend's little boy calls me "Auntie Charmaine" and Rick is "Uncle Rick". Sometimes the lad calls me to thank me for something stupid, like hiding Easter Eggs for him. It's so cute. I save his messages. When I arrive at their home he leaps into my arms. The same way my nephews and niece do. Except Aiden. He's too big for that. He hugs me then lifts me into the air.

When Rick emails me, it freaks me out. His name is Richard Peterson... my dad's name.

I think I'm getting emails from beyond the grave each time. They don't have email in heaven, do they?

Rick called Mohammad (the cabbie who has my cell phone in Los Angeles who has been courteously answering my incoming calls). Rick paid Mohammed $60.00 to drive my cell to his house. Mohammad gave Rick a 50% discount to return my phone. (And you thought Muslims were bad?) Rick told me not to worry about the 60 bucks, it's on him. a
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That's what a man does. He takes care of business, without being asked.

I'm so lucky. I have a small handful of terrific friends. I have a great sister, brother-in-law, nephews and Chris, my wonderful friend in Denver. I have a best friend, Linda, who is trying to save my soul and did I mention my neighbours? I have one, Dan, that just comes over when I'm not home and paints my house, gives me new garbage cans and repaves my walkway. Isn't that crazy?

Real men. Someone is reminding me what they look like. Thank God, Allah or whoever.