A July Birthday to Remember
July is my birthday month. On the back side of 70 one tends to get a bit nervous. Birthdays take on a brand new meaning with greater emphasis. On headstones birth and death dates are often separated by a small dash. Well, how am I “spending” my dash? Am I living a life that is worthy? What is the length of my dash? All these thoughts began to enter my mind as the month and day drew nearer. Then…three weeks early invitations began to come in and my El Dorado friends rescued me from the sudden anxiety I was feeling.
On June 20, I had lunch with two students in Benton. I had not seen Dennis Byrd since he graduated in ’66 (we’ve only corresponded thru phone calls and e-mails) and had not seen Frank Thomas (’71) in ten years. We were all 3 able to arrange our schedules for 2½ hours of good food and conversation. So much had happened to all three of us and we were able to catch up on little incidentals we omitted in calls and mail and we could share
pictures.
On July 3, I was treated to “Birthday pie” at Charlotte’s Sweets and Treats in Keo by Carolyn Thompson and Bill Hall, two student/ friends I see quite often. Regardless how many times we get together, conversation is nonstop and is ALWAYS fun. Because Charlotte’s was so packed that day, we had to share a table with some other ladies. One heard us say “El Dorado” and asked if we were from there. This opened yet another group conversation. I had once been taken to an activity at Marrable Hill Chapel by one lady’s FATHER… Kenny Newsome. I’d met him and his sister, “Doodle,” at Victory Bible Camp many years ago. Conversing with them was a bonus and Bill signed his latest (and best) book for me, “Tales for a Rainy Afternoon.”
On Wednesday, July 10, Nancy Sheppard Hall hosted a beautiful luncheon for me in her home. She also invited former student, Carol Davidson, Diane Williamson (Dr. John Williamson’s widow and my old college friend since 1961) Susan Whatley, and two of my most faithful readers, Ginnie Daniels and Gwyn Blewster Stuart. As a special bonus, Nancy’s daughter Julie popped in for a brief visit with her three beautiful boys. I had planned to leave for home after only an hour, but I could NOT break away from the wonderful company until much later. The company of these precious friends, the wonderful vegan meal prepared by Nancy, the setting of her beautiful home—all was PERFECTION. I enjoyed myself to the limit. And, yes, Girls, I have since forgiven you for not bringing my attention to the missing crown. I still do not know what happened to it, but all is repaired now. We were only sorry my teaching friend, Jean Williams, had a golf tournament and could not be present as originally planned.
My actual birthday fell on the second Saturday of the month. I was invited to lunch in Hot Springs… more interesting conversation! First, we had Mexican food and then we went for “Birthday Pie.” All my friends know I prefer pie to cake…even for birthdays.
Readers, please do me a favor. Should you know anyone I mentioned in this column will you give them this message for me? I love them all. I appreciate them all. They are my very special ones and this old woman is very, VERY grateful for their continued love and attention.