Happy Birthday!

Once in a while you come across someone who inspires you to great ends. Someone who you can hold in the highest esteem merely because of the life-lessons that he has imparted..someone who you can look up to and know that his actions will not let you down. Someone who you can love, admire and respect. People like this are far and few in between..but I know one.

My Uncle Alfred celebrated his 97th birthday today, July 3oth. He is perhaps the youngest 97 year old ever! I am impressed with his wit, charm and gentleness. It is not often that I can say that someone has and still is teaching me. When I was a child, there were so many things that he taught me..from how to catch a crab with just a string and a dead catfish..to how to find Japan on the world globe..to how to shoot a marble straight and true! Each of these meant so much more than just the lesson at hand..they were each a lesson in patience. Still today, he imparts sage advice in dealing with neighbors, non-producing fig trees and the importance of family. I am still learning.

Uncle Alfred..you have my admiration, respect and love. I thank you for all of the knowledge that you have shared with me over the years. You truly amaze, inspire and awe me at all times! I love you! I hope your birthday proved to be exciting and I hope the year to come brings many, many new adventures.