Check Point Charile

I don't know if all hospitals have a Check Point Charlie but with ours you can't visit someone until Check Point Charlie logs you in and gives you a visitor pass. He's the security guard that sits behind a desk and keeps track of all the comings and goings of visitors.

It's an important job I'm sure because with our local hospital we have these rules that only so many visitors can be in a room at the same time and those with children, have to wait until the late afternoon to see their loved ones or friends.

Now there is a way to get past Check Point Charlie. Instead of stopping by the desk you turn towards the cafeteria like you're going to eat or something then as you round the corner you make a bee line to the elevators used mostly for patients and doctors.

I confess. I have slipped past Check Point Charlie a time or two, but the other day I decided to be a rule follower and log in with Mr. Security Guard.

I gave him the name of the friend I was visiting, and he asked for mine.

Me: "I'm here to see .........I believe she's in room......."
Check Point Charlie: "Your name please"
Me: "Saimi."    (Pronounced sigh-me)
Then I spelled in for him: "S A I M I"

Check Point Charlie lifts his head and looks at me then back down at his paper. He makes a ‘hmm’ sound as he writes my name down.

This is not an uncommon reaction to my name. I usually get 'hmmed' along with, "Oh that's an unusual name." Or, "That sure is different." Or, "I've never heard of that name before."

Not with Check Point Charlie, no siree. He hmms me then looks up and says. "It doesn't fit you."

I'm thinking to myself: "You say this because you know me...HOW?"

In our whole 3 second conversation he has me summed up and, apparently thinks a different name would be more fitting...Amazing! I told you this was an important job.

So, if my Grandmothers name doesn't fit me, I ask you please...... what would?