On Friday the 13th, I spent six hours with Shirley in Salem. Hours in conversation, lunch in the large dining room, dinner at Black Bear, and a birthday bag of small, sweet gifts–all because . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Saturday the 14th would be my 79th birthday! Today I spent an hour with my oldest student, a straight-A student at Centennial High School and three and a half hours with Kathi, bathing Sammy in her utility tub, enjoying a tasty, impromptu birthday lunch, and seeing two episodes of The Chosen.

Friends recognize my 79th birthday with cards and gifts. Thankful shoutouts to Shirley, Gloria, Rhonda, and Nancy!

Friday the 13th marked two months until I fly away to Wisconsin to spend time with Heidi as she has knee surgery. Then on June third I fly to Manchester, England (via Atlanta) to help Kat celebrate her 50th birthday! If all goes according to plan, I will return on Labor Day, September seventh.

Thank you, Lord, for the lovely start to my 80th year, already full of friends, plans, and purpose.