GOOD MORNING, FRIENDS

A Rememberamble for Monday, September 15, 2025

I want to say at the outset, THANK YOU, to all who came and made Saturday's events a pure joy, for me and others too, I hope. When my sister Connie, and Matt's wife, Michelle, surprised me with the song based on my story, "Nomie," I was as moved by that, more than anything that has struck an emotional chord in me, in a long while. It was a beautiful kindness. If you were there, you might have noticed that I "took on a bait," as we say, and cleaned my plate, like a good boy.

But, as soon as the day ended, I got home and wished I had fixed a supper plate to go. I could see all of that food in my mind's eye, smell it in mind's nose, and taste it all in my mind's mouth, I was truly starving for it! Here is the funny part of that, even as I lusted in my heart for a huge plate of that wonderful spread of food from the dinner, I said to myself, "get up and go fix yourself some supper." I stood up, and before taking a single step toward the kitchen, said, "nah, I ain't that hungry," and sat back down. Go figure!

I admit, I have never been known for having good sense. I was happy to see everyone who attended, and very glad that my great friend Mr. Joe Lawson was able to join us, he had a schedule conflict that was going to prevent him from coming, but that changed and he was able to be with us. The same with Linda Roach Newham, her scheduled conflict changed and she was able to attend. Linda and a few others brought wonderful door prizes, I even threw in several bottles of cane syrup, and folks were glad to get those.

Chris Clifton had picked up the Boston butts and chicken for the meal, and made a humongous pot of the best Brunswick Stew. He has done this every year. I can't thank him enough for his great friendship and generosity. Speaking of Chris Clifton, a funny thing yesterday when they were drawing the numbers on the tickets to award the prizes. The tickets were numbered in the 600's, 654, 660, etc., I said that I hoped no one had ticket number 666! Lo and behold Chris had it. Nah, he didn't win doodley squat.

I want to say that my life has been blessed by knowing Matt Jolley, and his family, in so many ways, the blessings are uncountable. Lil Merle enjoyed himself too. What is funny, in the group photograph, somebody picked lil Merle up and held him so he could be in the picture. Several members commented on the post saying they were glad lil Merle was in the picture. It was like those, "find the cat" things you see online. It took me a longtime to find him.

I was impressed with y'all's great eyesight, especially those of you who were looking at the post on your phones where the picture is so small. I will wind it up today with a request from y'all. As many of you may know, I had to stop working until I get my cataract surgery done, and will likely be into November until they can do it. Also, I was planning to begin drawing my Social Security benefits when I turn sixty-seven on my birthday on October 31. There will be a delay before I can begin drawing my benefits.

Someone has stolen my identity and used my identity and Social Security number. I have an appointment in a few weeks to go to the Social Security office get it all straightened out. So, I am out of work, and have no income for at least two months. I ask for your prayers and support during this time. I am doing my best not to worry unduly, but prayers for my peace of mind will be nice. I am so glad to visit with you, and appreciate your faithfulness here in the mornings.

Babee Conway and lil Merle are fine, and so am I. Bless you...Numbers 6: 24-26 KJV

..... "we boyz three, babee conway, lil merle, & me"