Happy Birthday Ethel

She turned 90 years old today. 90 years. I've only known her for about 15 of those years, but they've been some of the most blessed and rich years of my life.

Her family gave her a lovely party "down't the church." Ethel reminded me of the party every single day for three months or more. Yes, I'll be there, I kept telling her.

But what I didn't tell her is that I would be bringing the harp. She was genuinely surprised and then thrilled when she saw me wheel it in. "What, are you trying to kill yourself all at once?" she asked me, knowing I had played the night before and would play later that same day. (That's Ethel-speak for "Wow, thank you for being here!")

We had a great time talking about memories, birthdays, friendship and how Ethel has touched our lives. And I had two pieces of cake before I packed up the harp to head to the next event.

Happy birthday, my sweet friend.