As the clouds are rolling in and the waves are growing and splashing against the seawall, I have been going through old disks from a computer that I had years ago. I just found them and was curious to see what files and documents were archived on these discoveries.

To my surprise there was a story. As near as I can figure it was written nearly 7-8 years ago. As I read it I thought it might be written today, not as a story but more of fact. True I don't have an answering machine. My voicemail messages are captured within the phone system. But hearing from people from my past makes me feel extremely blessed during a time of impending changes and decisions in my life. Just another proof that I am truly a very fortunate lady, no matter how crazy my world becomes.

"Just Me"

Heavy rain fell from the dark sky as the thunder and wind shook the telephone booth. "It's just me," he said. "I was thinking about you and wanted to make sure you're okay. Be good to yourself."

He'd left her a message. She wasn't home. He pulled up the collar on his jacket and hurried through the rain to his truck.

Once inside he started the motor, turned on the lights and wipers and drove home. Home where he should be.

It was late when she arrived home. Her life was full of uncertainties right now.

She'd recently dared to imagine she could have a different life. She left a job where she worked from early morning until very late at night, six days a week. These hours left little time for her to take care of her health, find another job or enjoy her life.

Unfortunately things hadn't worked out as she had hoped. Life had thrown her a few unexpected obstacles. The new life she had dared to imagine hadn't yet become a reality.

She opened the door, slipped off her shoes and walked straight to her bedroom. She sat on the edge of her bed and gazed out the sliding glass door to the balcony. The moon was reflecting across the water as the stars seemed to dance in the sky. She turned on the light and picked up the telephone.

She heard the whooping sound that meant she had a message. She lay back on the bed, entered her code and listened to the message.... "It's just me. I was thinking about you and wanted to make sure you're okay. Be good to yourself."

She pressed 1 and listened to it again. The words worked like magic, lifting her spirits. She smiled. This man who had been such an important part of her yesterdays had taken time out of his day to think of her.

Despite the years and distance that separated them, this man would always be special to her. She would remember with gratitude and love all that he had done for her. He would forever have a special place in her heart.