I had another dream the other night. My family and I travel once a year to my parent's home. It is where I grew up. It is nearly 500 miles away, yet still in the same state ...Michigan. This was the setting for my dream. We were at my parent's home.

Lingering at the table for conversation after lunch, there was a knock at the door. It wasn't my children joking around; I could see them all through the window. It wasn't my brother who lives a short distance from there ...he was already seated at the table.

My dad answered the door. A well-dressed man with a briefcase entered. He said he had to discuss an important legal manner with a person by the name of "Stephen Meiner". I acknowledged that I was he. My own wife and children were outside, playing with our dog ...and I was happy that they were. I couldn't imagine who this was, who he represented, or what he had to say to me. All I knew was that this all had me baffled ...and it was the beginning of an awkward and uncomfortable conversation. Whatever it was that was going to be said, I was glad my family was outside.

My dad and mom stood silently, not moving. I was hoping they were breathing. I was not sure I was. My brother's eyes narrowed, also showing his version of interest ...wondering, like me, what this was all about. He had not moved from his chair, but shifted slightly.

The man set his briefcase on the table, across from me. He sat down and opened his briefcase, "I don't mean to disrupt or alarm any of you, but this concerns a friend of yours, Stephen."

I was relieved that it was not about me ...but I guess it still was, as it was a friend of mine. Still, I was confused ...as most of my friends were 500 miles away. Certainly no one would have followed me all this way on my vacation. Few of the friends that I know from High School, live around here any longer ...and those who remained near our hometown, I had not kept in contact with.

My mind was traveling so fast, though I know that all I needed to do was relax. I was sure I'd shortly hear about who he was referring to.