Another Funny Story

 In 1974, we moved into a beautiful house in Evanston, Illinois on a tiny street next to the beach called Edgemere Court. Older residents were moving out and we were one of the newcomers with young children. Janice and Charlie Feldstein, who lived across the street from us, were great neighbors whose company we enjoyed. Several years later, the last of their children graduated from college and they moved to a condo in downtown Chicago. Within a few months, a new family moved in with two children much younger than ours. We welcomed them to the neighborhood but didn't spend much time together. 

A few years later, I was asked to do the collections for cancer research for our block since I knew all of the neighbors and had the time. So of course, I called the neighbors across the street.

 When the wife answered the phone, I said, "Hi Pam, How are you?"

She answered, "Oh, hi Barb. I'm doing fine."

Not having spoken more than a few words to each other in passing, I was surprised she knew it was me or recognized my voice. 

So I said, "I'm good. I'm just curious. How did you know it was me? We talk so infrequently."

"Because you are the only person who calls me Pam?" She laughed a little.

"Really? Why is that?" I asked.

"Because my name is Janice!" 

"Why didn't you tell me?" By then we were both laughing at the absurdity of this exchange.

"I don't know. It was working for you so why fix it."

In case you've missed it, Janice Felstein sold her house to a woman named Janice, clearly a connection I missed.

I've told this story many times and each time, I laugh as if it were the first time. Laughter is a great healer, especially one from the belly, full and long. It keeps us vibrant and whole.  If you have a funny story to share, please share it if you reply.