Jo's Cafe

Don’t really know what to think about an event that occurred today.  First off, the SGM is fine and this post does not involve him.

I was taking my Saturday afternoon nap and around 6 pm the house phone rings.  Only two people use the house phone, that I answer, and the caller ID did not show either locations.  Actually, it was from Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

I don’t know anyone in Grand Rapids, Michigan — or in  Michigan for that matter.  So I put the handset back in the cradle and knew the answering machine would pick up on the 4th ring.

After our message ended, a gravely voices starts out, “Jo, this is your brother Steve.”

I don’t have a brother named Steve.  My sister has a brother named Steve, but there is no relation to me other than my mother was married to his father.

He continued with, “Just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas.  If you want to call me back, my number is (blah blah blah),”  and the call ended.

I layed there on the couch with this weird feeling.   Actually – no feelings.  My mind was racing.   My mother left Steve’s father years ago, when I was not even a teenager.  Steve’s father was a violent evil man who did considerable damage to myself and my family.  Steve and his brother became raving alcoholics like their father.  I have only seen them once since mom left their father.

I’m talking over 25 years.

So why is this man calling me the day before Christmas Eve?

Bigger question – how did this man get my phone number?

One answer – and the only one I can possibly believe – mother.  There is no other reason for this man to be contacting me.  He has never attempted contact with me since the last time we spoke.  This is the first time I’ve heard his voice in the 25+ years since seeing him last.

So wonder what does dear ol’ mother want?

She’s only getting a blog post about the call. 

So dear ex-step-brother Steve – Thanks for the Merry Christmas dude, and take care.  But there won’t be a return call.  Have a great life.