My old friend Arehn stopped by for a surprise visit today, all the way from Portland, Oregon. Unfortunately, I had the flu so their stop was short. But she and her family only had a minute as they were on their way to Circle Pines Center in any event, where Arehn had gone to summer camps for many years. How lovely it is to go back to those places that played such a big role in our lives as children (or young adults), and have them still remain. Then to introduce her delightful boys to the camp. Sweet.

Arehn and Jim’s boys are great- the coolest kids you’d ever want to meet. The oldest, Drew, established the Global Protection Foundation. Its mission is to protect the world. Both he and his younger brother, Sam, are secret agents. Sam loves babies, it turns out. He was excited to be able to hold Isabella. You don’t see this enthusiasm for babies often in boys!

We don’t see Arehn and Jim much- only when they have reason to pass through town on the way to a trade show or event such as their Circle Pines trip. When we were parting, Sam asked, “Will the baby remember me?” “No,” we told him, “she won’t. She’s too young.” “Well,” he replied, “then would you take a picture of me, Mike, and show it to her every day? Tell her it’s Sam! And that we had dinner at Cafe Winberie’s in Oak Park!” “Ok, I said,” so I did and I will.

So here’s to you, Sam! What a big hearted boy!