BIRTHDAY WEEKEND

It's been a birthday weekend...but of a different kind. One to celebrate those family members of my past...not current family members.

Friday, June 3...would have been my uncle Jim's 100th birthday. Uncle Jim was my dad's only brother. I had the opportunity to attend uncle Jim's 95th birthday party. Uncle Jim was the last...long-term connection with dad, so it was a special day to have the chance to celebrate with him.

Saturday, June 4...would have been my brother-in-law...Elvin...84th birthday. Elvin was Joan's..my beautiful oldest sister's...husband. In my younger years...I always thought that Elvin was 'mean'. As I got a little older and more mature...I learned to have a great respect for Elvin. He was a very honest man...who wasn't afraid to say what was on his mind. When you're a little boy...you don't like men being gruff and honest with you. When you're a man...you can appreciate a man with character. Elvin...had character.

Sunday, June 5...would be my grandmother...Elsie...125th birtday. Elsie was my dad's mother. Elsie died a few years before I was born. I would like to have had the opportunity to meet her.

A special birthday weekend.


Dan