Morristown, TN

After arriving home from the first of many weddings that will be attended by me during 2008, I received a "Comment on Your Blog" message from my mother. For those of you that read my blog, you are aware about my mother's birthday on March 28. About two weeks later, my mother is posting her comments to you.

You have to understand. My mother is an English teacher. Can't YA'LL IMAGIN' the amount of misused prepositions that were corrected in my household?

Hence, my mother probably spent two weeks in an effort to complete her FIFTH DRAFT for your eyes.

If you visit my Special Message post, you will find the following comments from my mother....

Please excuse my tardiness in responding to such a memorable outpouring of love, appreciation and genuine sentiment.

Any day one can wake up and know that another member of the "family of man" is thinking of her/him is a GOOD DAY.

The kindness and well-wishes expressed by old /new acquaintances and relatives who reached out and touched me in this very unique way will not be forgotten.

Thank you. The world would really be a much better place in which to live, laugh and be happy if more people were like you.

"LIVE LONG AND PROSPER".

Respectfully,

Hazel P.

p.s. -- Thanks to everyone that helped me with putting a smile on my mother's face! I truly appreciate it!

March 28 marks a very special day for me on the annual calendar. On this date 58 years ago, Hazel A. Smith was born to a coal mining family in West Virginia. She became the 14^th (the baby girl) of 15 children that would be born to William and Sallie Smith.

About 18 years after her birth, Hazel decided to attend West Virginia State College (now known as a university). While attending college, she met a charismatic man named S. Benjamin Patterson. On March 28, 1970, they decided to exchange vows.

After spending some quality time together as husband and wife, January 13, 1972 crosses the calendar. About 11:17am on that day, David Anthony Patterson was born.

By now, you should know that Hazel (Smith) Patterson is my mother.

TODAY IS HER BIRTHDAY!

About two years ago, my mother shared something with me that has had a profound impact on my life.

‘David...I don't care how many houses you sell or how much money you make....Just be a decent person!'

Momma....I'll do my best! It isn't easy. But, you didn't raise a quitter! Hopefully, you are as proud of me as I of you!

I love ya momma! Happy Birthday!