What's loved, survives

I had the oddest and yet most comforting dream last night. In the middle of the usual dream hijinks, my mom suddenly walked in, handed me the phone, and said "Eagle wants to talk to you." Eagle is a very old friend--he was an instructor at the camp I attended for two years as a teenager, and he and I knew each other. He was about 50 when I was 13, but we just clicked from the moment we met, so easily and so closely that if I believed in past lives, I'd think we've always known each other. We stayed somewhat in touch after I stopped going to camp, letters and phone calls, but I haven't spoken to him in at least ten years. I think the last time I did was to tell him I was getting married.

It was a very simple conversation.

Me: Eagle, hi!

Eagle: Hey, honey! Just really wanted to say hello to you.

Me: I've been thinking about you--I know it's been a while, but I miss you.

Eagle: I miss you too, but I'm doing great, and you know I'm always here for you.

Me: Thanks, Eagle. I love you.

Eagle: Love you, too.

I woke up smiling, because I could still hear his gravelly voice in my ear. I think that might have been good-bye? If it was, it was sweet of him to reach out before he went.