September 24, 2011

What a great day to celebrate turning 55. I look in the mirror and don't see myself as 55. My friend Barbara turned 55 in April and now we're even...if that's possible. I've had many memorable birthdays. let's see, there was the time I spent my 24th birthday in jail, there was the time I was fired from a job that meant so much to me. I celebrated my 50th birthday with Debby and Cairo. We had breakfast at the Court of Two Sisters in New Orleans. It seems each birthday gets more memorable though not always a memory you want. This morning Barbara texted me "happy birthday birthday boy". She always remembers! We went for a bike ride and stopped by the Mockingbird for breakfast. It was great! Tim makes the best bananna pancakes. This is a tough time with the recession but you can always find something to smile about. And I have much to smile about today. I'm still emotional at 55 and I looked across the table at Barbara. I am so grateful to be here in Bay St. Louis, MS. I shared with Barbara, I have never felt so welcome as I do here. Small town struggling to make it, we're hanging in there TOGETHER. The day is young, there is much to do. Thank you Father for this time in my life.