Little Brother

For the life of me, I cannot remember how long it has been since I met him. I know it's more than seven years, maybe ten. He came into the shop looking for a gift for his wife, and that's how long it has been. We became friends right from the start, and although during that time we were a continent apart, we never lost any part of that friendship. My life is good that way -- when I make a true friend, neither time nor distance diminishes the friendship.

He is my other 'shoulder to cry on'. He was there through most of my marriage; he was there when my son-in-law left my daughter and my grandchild just before Christmas a few years ago. He has laughed with me, and he has cried with me. I, in turn, am there for him when his spirits are low and he needs to be reminded of how life is in the world in which he and I live.

He worries about my health -- probably more than I do. He does his best to keep me on the straight and very narrow path to a better and healthier lifestyle. He has seen first-hand what happens to people with my maladies, and he doesn't want me to suffer through the rest of my life. And for that I have bestowed the name 'Little Brother' upon him. Actually, every time I think of him a voice in my head says 'Little Brother', so in actuality I am not giving him the name -- it's coming from Bear. But he will recognize himself here.

He is not yet a healer, but is well on his way to becoming one of the best. I'm sure that he doesn't realize this yet and this paragraph will be quite a revelation to him. He will now understand his affinity to the Native people, and his strong desire to help all those who need him, including me.

I am honored to call him 'friend' and, now, Little Brother.