What a great birthday party for Daddy on his 90th birthday. Goose and I had been cautiously apprehensive about the attendance - due to distances as well as the weather during the previous week. Our worries were swept away. The weather was perfect, and people came from all over - Azalea, Gary, and Gleason were a big surprise. Azalea had written Daddy a letter detailing her physical challenges over the past few months and explaining that she would not be able to come. Gary lives in Winston, but we had not seen him in ages, Gleason lives in Virginia. They came. Bobby Cale and Pat came with Mark and John from Virginia. Bruce came from Charlotte. The neighbors came, the poker people came, the ROMEO club came, and the church people came. We had at least 80 guests. Daddy was surprised - and, thankfully, pleased -- with the turn out. He went home with a basket of cards and the guest book to peruse. He called last night. "I apologize," he said. "It was better than I thought it would be." Yeah.
Bob was conspicuously missing.
Goose did a great job of planning and arranging. I had written stuff that I wanted to say - too much, but I just needed to say it. I'll be remembered for something - and the ramblings will be it.
Mikey came on Wednesday from Oceanside/LA for the party. He's my Mikey. I wish he were closer, but he has friends there that he would miss. He is going home this morning.
It was a great time. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the party. I'm so grateful.
