59

I first saw her in September of 1969.Who would have thought back then that almost 45 years later we would be celebrating her 59 th birthday together. I wanted to take her out to eat and shop but she decided we should stay home and watch a movie and eat leftovers.She gets up everyday and makes the 45 minute drive to Chattanooga everyday to keep us afloat these days.Neither of us would have thought she would have to do this.
For her birthday she did want to do one thing-go hiking at Piney River. Damien took us to this beautiful site with Jessica and all her children and Brenda.God gave us the perfect day and off we went.
There are days that are so perfect that it seems God gave us a gift and set aside this day of 55 degree weather when the next day would be 22.We started off hiking and it was amazing roaring springs with frozen water falls.Blue skies and gentle breezes.The grand kids rotated to each of us.Oh to have their energy again! Julian started out with me.We talked about different things and then those magic words came forth,"Papa, I love you and I just want you to know that we pray for you and your job everyday". Honestly ,I was walking on air the rest of the way. It was Jolene's day but I received one of my most prized gifts that day. One of the many things I love about the Grandkids is their sweetness    One of the best things we could do for each other is to send up prayers each day.Thank you Julian for reminding me of that.Thank you Jessica and Damien for your overwhelming generosity.Thank You Lord for Jolene and how we all see You when we look at her.