From the day this child was born, August 25, 1965, I have been graced with pride and I have never been totally alone.
Michael truly came to rescue me. He gave me joy and purpose. Good or bad, he taught me everything I know about being a parent to a little boy! I was such a young, frightened mother, so far away from home. Mike was my light and he was loved. A year later; Mike gave all that love to his sister and we became a family. That unbreakable bond and devotion has turned into a loving family of twenty, and for me, it all began that sweet day in August, 42 years
ago. My life took it's path the day he was born. I have loved being his Mother.
Today, Mike is a successful father to Joe and Isabelle, loving husband to Mary, attorney, sports participant, and still the precious son I share with his dad and with Terrence.
Happy Birthday Son!
*(P. S. On September 18, 2007, Mike is has volunteered to be arrested and
held hostage at the W Hotel, until he raises $2,500 "bail", for Muscular Dystrophy (Jerry Kid's).
Let's show our support by giving a small (tax deductible) donation, to help free him, and to this wonderful cause. Attached is a web page which will enable you to make a donation.
https://www.mdaevent.org/ParticipantInfo.aspx?j=b12bcaa5-d6d6-47c6-a3ce-df67e21bc0e0
His Mom (I) will be grateful because, as you with children know, I can't let him stay in jail for very long. I will have to bail him out one way or another. Thanks!)
***********************************************************Today's blog can't be finished until it is mentioned that it is also the birthday of another special boy who is turning SIX years old!
I will let his mother give all the brag facts about him, but I know, after just spending a week with him in Grayton and then another four days in Driggs; this is one fine grandson! I especially enjoyed our time hiking and drawing and working on Mimi's Project together.
I love you Aidan and I hope you have a wonderful Birthday!!!
~Mimi
I have very fond memories of hunting dogs from my childhood. In a small town in Tennessee, my father raised them for a good friend of his, the town jeweler, Horace Jones. That’s the way I remember it anyway. It is a clear memory of puppy breath from excited lapping kisses, and later, chasing after the dogs all through town when they got out of their pen. They were housed in a room inside our garage. The room was connected to an outside pen. There was also a very small corner-room where the mother hound stayed while she was pregnant, giving birth and nursing her puppies. I remember going out and sitting with her, petting and talking for long periods of time. It upset me that she was often alone, fat with puppies or taking care of her litter.
The Bay Dogs: Taco, R.D, Charlie, Henry and Rose, wore radio collars and were excited with the anticipation of getting to run. The Catch Dogs: Booger :), Timber, Patch and Cohutta. They hang back with their master on leashes, just waiting for something to be spotted so they can be released to move in for the kill. There was one old pro that lost an eye after he was released to kill a wild hog, but when he got there, it turned out to be a very angry bear! 
These dogs had a purpose; they knew what it was and were well trained to do it. They were fit, happy and had an air of dignity as they patiently waited while their owner stopped to chat a while. I connected with them. I connected from my childhood, from the pages of The Education of Little Tree, and from the traditions of my people here in the mountains.
When they arrived with their Dads, William and his two little guests took off up the mountain on a quest to find the coveted Jelly Bean Tree, that only blooms on very special occasions - and that's only if you can find it! It took quite some time to find that tree, but thanks to their leaders' (Andrew and Emily's) sharp eyes, the mission was accomplished and there were enough jelly beans for the pick'n.
YA YA!
From the day this child was born, August 25, 1965, I have been graced with pride and I have never been totally alone. Michael truly came to rescue me. He gave me joy and purpose. Good or bad, he taught me everything I know about being a parent to a little boy! I was such a young, frightened mother, so far away from home. Mike was my light and he was loved. A year later; Mike gave all that love to his sister and we became a family. That unbreakable bond and devotion has turned into a loving family of twenty, and for me, it all began that sweet day in August, 42 years 
ago. My life took it's path the day he was born. I have loved being his Mother.
held hostage at the W Hotel, until he raises $2,500 "bail", for Muscular Dystrophy (Jerry Kid's).
I will let his mother give all the brag facts about him, but I know, after just spending a week with him in Grayton and then another four days in Driggs; this is one fine grandson! I especially enjoyed our time hiking and drawing and working on Mimi's Project together.
