The Walk...

One day when Mackenzie, our oldest daughter, was probably about two or three years old, we were playing in the backyard at our house, when I noticed a huge commotion down at the pond. There’s a large – I’d say probably two or three acre – pond that stretches between our house and Kellie’s grandparents’ house. After taking a closer look, I saw that the commotion was two huge turtles in the edge of the water and figured Mackenzie would get a kick out of seeing them, so I grabbed her and we crossed the fence, and went down to check it out. We watched the turtles for a few minutes and I asked her if she wanted to just walk around the pond since we were already down there; and that sounded like a good idea to her. So off we went.
Not long after we started, Mackenzie (whose attention span is shorter than her pinkie finger) started noticing everything around her in the pasture. She got behind me because she was stopping to look at a flower, or follow a butterfly, or see what was over here and what was over there. During all that time, I kept saying, “Come on, Mackenzie, keep up!” And she’d come running a little closer; but then it wouldn’t be a minute later, something else would have her distracted; and I’d have to call for her again, “Come on, Mackenzie, keep up!”
This went on until we were probably about halfway around the pond. Then she started realizing how far we had walked and got to complaining about how tired she was. Then from the complaining, she set in to whining. But I kept cheering her on, “It’s not that much further, come on – you can make it!” And the further we walked, the worse she got until she was just crying, “I can’t make it, Daddy, it’s too far!” And I just kept telling her, “Yes you can, Mackenzie! You can make it! It’s not that much further!” She’d lag way behind me, and nearly stop, and just cry because she was so tired and didn’t think she could take another step; but I would just stop, turn around, and call her a little closer again, “Come on Mackenzie, you can make it – it’s not that much further!”
I could have probably picked her up and carried her; but by that time, I wanted to prove a point to her that she COULD do it because she wasn’t a “baby” any more. I waited on her, and was patient with her – firm at times; but I tell you what I wouldn’t have done for anything in the world… I would have never just walked off and left her there.
The last little ways of the walk, the Lord took my mind; and I could see myself as Mackenzie. When I started in my walk with Him, I was eager and willing and just glad to be with Him. And then as we walked along, cares of this life began to distract me; but all along, He would call me up a little closer. And a few years further into it, I got tired and didn’t know if I could make it, but He, so patiently and lovingly, kept reminding me that I could. And even now, when I feel so tired and the end still seems so far away, I know that He’s not going to leave me in this wilderness, but instead, if I just keep following in my Father’s footsteps, I know I’ll make it home - it can't be that much further.

Just felt like sharing…

-BYRD

Busy, busy, busy...

Well, it's been a busy few weeks - births, deaths, and lots of traveling! Last week, we said good-bye to a dear, sweet man - Bro. Jerry Sadler. Bro. Jerry had fought ALS for the past few years and finally was released from his fight last week. Bro. Jerry's daughter, Bree, was in my grade at school and was my homework reminder for years (I could never remember what my homework was, so I always called Bree to find out). Bro. Jerry also was a help to me in school. He was a math wiz and I was a math flunkee, so helped me study a few times. And then his son, Jarod, who was in my sister's grade, has been one of my best pals since pals since about 1995. It was sad to see Bro. Jerry go; but his suffering is over and I have great hope of his reward!

Then early this week, I got word that Bro. Windell Gamble had passed away suddenly from a heart-attack. Bro. Windell was such an encourager to me when I was young! He was always happy and smiling and always cuttin' up! His greeting was usually, "Hello, uglier than I am!" or "Why there's my little Byrd-brained buddy!" And then he would just laugh and laugh. I sure will miss him!

Tuesday, Mackenzie started back to school! Second grade! I went into work late so that I could go with her - I figure it won't be many more years that she'll WANT me to go with her, so I'd better enjoy it while I can. Makayala doesn't start kindergarten until next year, so I'll get to enjoy "first day" with her for several years, even if Mackenzie gets tired of me coming up there hugging and kissing her in front of her friends! :)

Wednesday evening, I went to Huntsville to Bro. Windell's visitation, where there was a line that circled inside the large funeral home. I waited for two hours to see his family. You spend your life being good to people, like he was, and that's what happens! After that, I went to the hospital to see A.J., my niece; and I got to hold her for the first time! AND, Shawna told me that I was the first one to hold her besides her and Derrick and the two grandmothers - so I felt priveledged! :) She is SO pretty!!!! While I was there, Shawna told me what all Mom had cooked for supper; and I just couldn't resist! I hadn't had supper and mom's house was only 15 minutes away, so I went over and had a huge plate full (at about 10:00 p.m.)! My mom is an awesome cook and that supper was no exception! I probably got there, ate, and was out of there in 15 mintues, and got home at midnight.

Tonight, Jarod and Lisa are meeting me and Kellie here in Chattanooga to supper and to hang-out for a little while. It is HOT outside; and I hope it cools off a little this afternoon so we can walk around downtown without the blistering heat!

I've got a session in the morning - nine month old little girl; and so watch for pictures soon! It's been a while since I've photographed a baby - I hope it goes good!

A.J.

Here's a few pics that I took of A.J. this past Friday night. She was 24 hours old and still in NICU where the lights were all but out! And to complicate things, they didn't want us to use a flash, so it was mighty difficult to get a good pic!! But anyhow, here she is - all 3 pounds 9 ounces of her! She's doing great and I wouldn't be surprised if she's not home within a week!

Addison

I went to church last night at Grassy Mountain, and on into the service, someone came and got me and told me that Kellie was outside and that my sister was soon to become a mother! Shawna had gotten bad with preeclampsia and the doctor decided he couldn't wait any longer before taking the baby. So they took her in last night and before we could get to Huntsville, Addison Jane Shockley (or "A.J." as Uncle Byrd plans to call her, regardless of other family members' protests) had made her appearance! She weighed in at 3 lbs. 9 ozs. and measured 16" long. Considering her small size, she's doing really well; and Shawna is recovering nicely too! By the time we got to go back and see her last night in NICU, they had asked us not to use flash photography, so I couldn't get a good picture - but I will soon! :) She's tiny; but very well developed and proportioned and had a great color and she's just doing really, really good! Shawna texted me this morning and said that she was off of the cpac and ventilator for now, which is great!

Okay - some personal thoughts of this child's birth, etc. #1 - Shawna and Derrick have prayed for this baby for a long, long time; and God has finally given them their hearts' desire, which just tickles me to death! About a year or so before Shawna found out she was expecting, I had a dream that they had a little girl and when my mom took me in to see her for the first time at the hospital, she had on a little purple dress. Well last night, when I got to go in and see her, she didn't have on a purple dress - but she did have on a little purple hairbow! :)

I thought it was cool that she was born in the same hosptial where Shawna and I were born. My poor children were born in Tennessee - ha, ha. And, being the genealogist that I am, I can wait until she gets older and I can point out how far back her middle name (Jane) goes in our family. She was named for my mother, Pamela Jane, who was named for my great-aunt, Mary Jane (Long), who was named for my great-great-grandmother, Harriet Jane (Jacks), who was named for her mother, Martha J. (Robertonson) - so that's like seven generations! And no telling who bore the name in our family before that! Anyhow, I'm probably the only one who thinks that's cool; but I can't help it! ;)

Crankin' Up Again...

I’M BA-AAACK! After taking some time off through the summer, I have decided to take a limited number of sessions for the Fall. You can begin booking your appointments today (call 423.802.9314 or email shannon@byrdprophoto.com)! For the first (paid) appointment that I book, I’ll give that session a FREE 11x14! Folks – that’s the cost of your session right there!
Fall is a GREAT time to do family portraits outdoors! The weather is cooling off a little bit and everything’s still nice and green! And for those of you wanting some Fall color, we usually have a pretty narrow window of that around here; but we CAN work something out there too!
Christmas Cards? Yeah, we’re doing them – and if you want some, you’d better book your appointment soon (I know it’s only July; but these things take time)!!!
I’m also reopening my Baby Steps program and will accept a VERY small number of new little’uns for the year long program! I’ll soon have a new niece; and she’ll probably break me in pretty good on baby pics again!
Weddings… hmmm… I’m not sure. I’ve turned down more this year than I shot last year! J They can be brutal; but if you catch me at the right time and in the right mood, I MIGHT take a wedding or two!
If you have any other questions about what we’ve got going on, just shoot me an email!

AND, just to start things off right, I’ll give away a free outdoor session to the first person who emails me with “CRANKIN’ UP AGAIN” in the subject line (minimum order applies)!

Talk to you soon!
-BYRD

Pictureless Update...

Been a busy few weeks. Been in revivals, funerals, and more! This summer, our pastor has seven revivals in eight weeks; and we usually try to go as much as we can, which sometimes leaves us (or at least me) going every night of the week. Tiresome? Yes; but I love it. I've been to the funeral home for three deaths in the past week, including my dad's first cousin, Larry Byrd (no, not the basketball star) and my great-aunt, Pauline Bird, who was pictured just a few posts ago on this blog with her husband, Uncle Daniel. Two days after our family reunion, she started having problems with her heart and never was able to recover. She was a fun aunt; and I will miss her a lot!

The first weekend of the month found me traveling to Kansas City! That's the furthest west I've ever been (prior to that, it was probably either Memphis, TN, or Ocean Springs, MS, so I didn't have to go far to earn a new record - ha, ha). I've been working here for nine years, and have never really had to go anywhere on business before; but in the position I'm in now, I have a client in KC that I was able to go meet. We flew into KC, MO, on a Sunday, and then drove about fifty miles south of the city to Overland Park, KS. We had meetings all day Monday, and the first half of the day Tuesday, and then flew out Tuesday afternoon. I was SO tired! I DID get to eat at a couple of good restaurants though! Hereford House is one of the orginal Kansas steak houses; and I had a great rib-eye there; and then had some awesome BBQ at Jack's Stack. When I flew into Chattanooga, Kellie and the girls were waiting for me at the airport with little signs they had made with pictures of me and them and the words "Welcome Home Daddy! We love you!" It was actually hard to leave them on Sunday. I've never had to go anywhere ALL alone before. Before I left, I couldn't help but think about soldiers who leave their family to go overseas, not knowing when or if they might see them again. Here I was leaving my family for three days and about to cry like a baby. Nevertheless, it was a sweet homecoming; and I was glad to see mountains again! :)

Two Years...

Today is the two year anniversary of Alvie's death. This whole past week has brought about a lot of memories - some good, some bad. I've relieved those final moments over and over in my mind. And just looking back at everything that has changed since he left us... it's just unreal. We miss him every single day; but a few months ago, I finally got to a place to where I can honestly say that I wouldn't call him back. Two years ago, his worry ended - and I wouldn't want him to have to come back and pick up that load again. So the ONLY choice is to just wait our turn until we can go where he is.

It's a hard day for Kellie, so if you think about her throughout the day, just ask the Lord to wrap His loving arms around her just a little bit tighter for the day.

I'll probably right a little bit more later; but for now, I just wanted to mark the day.

-BYRD

A Few Changes...

In an effort to conserve some overhead throughout the summer, we have disconnected our home phone and internet service. We'll probably leave it off for three or four months and then have everything turned back on like it was before. In the mean time, if you need to talk to us - call our cell phones! You can still email me at shannon@byrdprophoto.com; but a response might not be as timely as normal.

Thanks,

-BYRD

Reunion...

This past Sunday, we had a Bird Family reunion at my parents' house in Big Cove. It was great to see a lot of family who we don't see very often. There were, I guess, between 200 and 300 people there. My great-grandfather, Wiley Bird, had ten children - nine who lived into adulthood and had children; and several of those had a lot of children, including my granddaddy, Walter Bird, who also had ten children. And several of his siblings had very large families too. So that just makes for a BUNCH of cousins! Here are a few pictures. 1 - Uncle Daniel & Aunt Pauline Bird. This is my granddaddy's brother. He is ninety-six years old! Aunt Pauline will be 90 this year; and they will soon celebrate 72 years of marriage! Wow!

2 - Granddaddy's living brothers, Uncle Lester, Uncle Daniel, and Uncle Willard. Aunt Estelle and Aunt Rocine weren't able to make the reunion this year; and I was so disappointed not to see them.

3 - My dad's living brothers and sisters. Standing: Nancy, Ronald, & Kevin. Seated: Phyllis, Jane, Peggy, & J.W.

Sigh...

just sigh...

-BYRD

Good-bye, Wezy...

Our precious little cat, Wezy (Mackenzie's spelling, pronounced Weezy), was killed this afternoon. I hate getting pets because I get attached and then they die. Now I'm not one of those crazy people who grieve over a pet like it's a human or something; but I am sad that Wezy's gone. I was just petting her and loving on her a little bit last night. And my heart REALLY breaks for Mackenzie. Wezy was HER cat; and she loved her so much! Kellie plans to tell her when she picks her up from school this afternoon; and I know it's going to be a tearful evening at the Byrd House. To make matters worse, Makayla JUST got a new kitten last night - that looks JUST like Wezy! It's actually Wezy's half-sister.

Here's Wezy's obituary...

Wezy Byrd
FLAT ROCK – Wezy Byrd died Tuesday, May 18, 2010, a victim of vehicular homicide. She was about ten months old. A short graveside funeral is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon with Shannon Byrd, her owner’s daddy, officiating.
Wezy was a very loving, playful cat; and everybody who saw her considered her one of the most beautiful felines they had ever seen. She had been a member of the Byrd household since August 2009.
Wezy is survived by her owner, Mackenzie Leigh Anne Byrd; her owner’s sister, Makayla Kellie Lorene Byrd; her owner’s sister’s kitten, and Wezy’s half-sister, Angelica “Angel” Byrd; her mother, Momma Cat; and host of other extended family and friends.
Wezy will lie in repose this afternoon at the home of Momma Cat’s owner, Emmery Brown, in Flat Rock, Alabama. Interment will take place at the holler behind the Byrd House. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your local animal shelter.

New Harmony...

This week I had the honor of photographing some of my best friends and one of my favorite gospel groups of all time – New Harmony, out of Huntsville, Alabama. I’ve known most of these guys for my entire life and have had the fortune of calling them close friends during that time. The four “core” (original) members of the group have been singing together since they were probably like five years old. Most anybody who reads my blog probably knows them; but just in case you don’t, let me introduce you to the group. Standing at camera left is the group’s pianist, Chad Cantrell. Ain’t he pretty? :) Not only is Chad one of the absolute best pianist I’ve ever seen sit at a keyboard, he also genuinely one of the most naturally nice people I have ever known. He’s always been the same – just a great, great guy. Next to him is my brother-in-law and favorite bass guitarist, Dustin McKenzie. The dude is smooth on them strings; and don’t tell him I said this (since he’s my brother-in-law and all), but I think he’s a pretty cool dude overall. And then standing next to him is one my best friends and business partner (he put the Brant in BrantDale Music Publishing Company), Dustin Kelly. Dustin played the piano on our Not Another Tear project and is one of the most talented people I know. And besides that, he’s one of the most giving, considerate, and caring people I know. If you have a friend in Dustin Kelly, then you’ve got a FRIEND. Kneeling at camera left is Dustin’s twin brother, Justin Kelly. Justin stood in my wedding and used to hang out at my house a lot when we were young and single. He’s hilarious! If he can’t make you laugh, then you better check your pulse because chances are, you’re dead. I love him – another great, great friend! Seated just above Justin is Erica Davis. She’s a cool chick who puts her heart into her great singing. She sings the high part with the group, and the girl can rocket. But my favorite feature of hers would have to be her husband, Todd! :) Another one of my best friends! He’s not in the group; but I would be remiss in not mentioning his name at least once in this post! :) Seated next to Erica is Cassie McKenzie. Cassie is married to Kellie and Dustin’s first cousin, Clint; and she recently recorded with us on our project. I pick on her a lot; but the girls’ got a voice with a heart to match it – big! We love Cassie and were so glad she helped us with our tribute to Alvie! And then last, but certainly not least… ladies and gentlemen… make welcome THE Joe David Cantrell! One of my favorite singers, one of my favorite people – Joe David and I have been together though a lot of blessings and a lot of trials. He sang at my wedding, and if I die before him, he’ll probably sing at my funeral. He has such a gift – I’m not even sure he realizes the full potential in it himself… in fact, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t. He’s helped me out so many times when I’ve had a bad day or just needed some encouragement. He just one of those people who can make you smile when you don’t feel like smiling. So anyhow, that’s New Harmony. If you’ve never heard them – find a singing they’re going be doing, and go. You will NOT be disappointed! And BE SURE to get one of their new CD’s!!! It’s going to be awesome (just like their past two have been); and besides sounding AWESOME, it’s going to LOOK great too! :) Seriously, I could go on and on and wouldn't be able to say enough good about them - I love them all very, very much!

Another Saint Gone Home...

I received word this morning that a dear friend, Sis. Edna Earl Jones, went home to be with Jesus; and while I sit here with tears in my eyes, I know it’s not for the loss of Sis. Edna – it’s for the rejoicing I have in her hope. Her husband, Bro. Will Ed, left this world just a few years ago; and I remember having the same rejoicing for him. This is why – they were probably some of the poorest people I’ve ever known. People say that they’re poor; but they have fine homes, nice cars, and good clothes. None of that describes Bro. Will Ed and Sis. Edna. I remember when I was a kid they lived in one of those old houses around the Dairy Farm in Big Cove. They were in rough shape then – just a cabin. Today, they look like nobody has lived in ‘em for 100 years. Their circumstances in life were so very different than probably anyone who’s reading this post; and for those of you who knew them, you know what I’m talking about. But, oh look what they’ve traded for a mansion! With their passing, my mind runs to the riches they have now inherited. The pleasures in life that they never had anyway, are no match for the untold beauties they are now a part of. Just fourteen years ago, they came in and received salvation and then struggled on through life. Bro. Will Ed finishing his course first, and then Sis. Edna Earl’s battle ending today. I feel so blessed to have known this precious, precious couple; and I hope that when my race on earth has ended, my friends can have the hope for me that I have for Bro. Will Ed and Sis. Edna Earl. I will never forget them; and hope to see them someday in a land where there’ll be no poor folk!

Alvie

A friend of ours found this picture and sent it to us a while back. I love it! Check out that shirt! :) This would have been made sometime in the early 70's, I guess. I think it was in an old high school annual or newspaper or something. I just ran across it again this afternoon and though I would share!

Happy Friday!

-BYRD

Spring Break...

Well, we started out Spring Break in a five-star hotel in the middle of Manhattan, and ended it in a pop-up camper in Winchester, TN. Yes folks, that's from one extreme to the other. I'll probably write more about our NYC trip later; but I'll just give you the highlights for now. Ashley, Brooke, Kellie, and I left flew out of Chattanooga early Saturday morning for an extended weekend in NYC. Our hotel room (on the 40th floor) was overlooking Times Square and we appeared to be about level with the famous "Ball" that drops at New Years. The view was awesome! Saturday evening, we had dinner at "The View" - New York's only revolving rooftop restaurant. It was actually on the 46th floor of our hotel and we had a beautiful view all around Manhattan. The food was very overpriced; but we had a good time. That evening, we saw "Mary Poppins" on Broadway. Sunday, we toured and we toured and we toured. Monday, we toured and we toured. I have tons of pictures and gobs of stories; but I can't fit them into one post. Tuesday, we got up early and went to the Today Show, where we were not only spotted on camera; but Al Roker actually stopped and talked to us for a minute on camera, so I got my fifteen seconds of fame. We came home Tuesday night and then got up Wednesday morning and grabbed what we needed to join our kids and my parents at Tim's Ford State Park in Winchester where we camped until this morning. We had a good time camping too! Thursday, I had to leave early and go to Big Cove to photograph the wedding of my good friend, Marty, who was RE-united in Holy Matrimony to her now former ex-husband, Lee. Congrats to those guys; and I'll probably post more about that, along with pictures later. I feel like I've been around the world and back this Spring Break!

Bro. David...

Today my thoughts are on Rev. David H. Jones, who passed away from our sights one year ago today. To say that Bro. David was special would be like calling the Holy Ghost good - that just ain't word enough for him. Where the Bible talks about having ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers - Bro. David was one of my absolute true fathers in the Lord. Had it not been for him, I might still would have been in the altar to this day; but he took a little time with me and encouraged me and then got to be right down there with me the night I made it. He was just my hero of heroes.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family today; but like I've already told Joe David this morning - today marks one year since Bro. David has had a worry or a care. One year since he's had any pain or suffering. One year since he's shed a single tear. Yeah, our hearts are heavy this morning because of how much we miss him; but wow, it's been a great year for Bro. David! I could blog on for hours about him - he was, in my eyes, probably the greatest preacher of my life time; and I want to be sure and remember his life and use it as a pattern for my own. Bro. David - you changed the world!!! I love you so much; and my children and grandchildren will know about you and your life for as long as I live!!!

-BYRD

Happy Easter...

Glory to God - He IS risen!

What a beautiful day today! I was reading in Luke this morning regarding the resurrection. Can you imagine how those disciples felt? Some were elated because they believed the prophesy immediately. Some were confused - they just didn't know what to think. You can blame them -these kinds of things don't happen every day. Some had a hard time believing, even after they saw Him - old Bro. Thomas even had touch his side to know it was him and not a ghost! I'm listening from the other room to an old recording that Alvie, Vicky, Kellie, and Dustin did probably about 11 or 12 years ago. Playing right now is "Comforter". How approriate. For after He had risen, He gave the disciples the promise of another comforter, which they soon received at Pentecost. I'm so glad that I received that same comforter at Huntsville now almost fifteen years ago!

Gone to church - see ya...

-BYRD

Good Friday...

And all of it led up to this day – the day on which He was crucified on that cruel cross on Golgotha. But that’s not where the suffering began. Before He was ever led up that lonely hill, He had already been tortured and beaten until his face was absolutely unrecognizable. Alvie used to talk about how they scourged Him. They took a whip that had a bunch of strands of leather, on which was tied little sharp fragments of bone, maybe metal; and they whipped him with it – every lash ripping the flesh from His body. He had already been betrayed by those He loved – some of the very ones who knew exactly who He was. Yet, they turned their back on Him. He was shamed and humiliated by the multitude. And one of the things that really gets me is that He knew all of this was coming; but He was still willing to do it all – for me. HE DID NOT WANT TO GO TO THE CROSS. He knew it was His Father’s will and His own purpose; but He still had to go to the Garden three times. There, He prayed that perhaps God would find a different way – that the cup would pass from Him. Alone there, He prayed in the garden until His sweat ran down as great drops of blood. But in the end, He got willing to go. And there, angels came and ministered to Him. Wow! That’s amazing to me. I like to think that maybe the angel came and spoke words of encouragement and comfort to Him – something like, “You can do this! Yes, it’s going to be hard; but it’ll only last for a little while, and then you’ll be glorified and back home with us in Heaven!” And after He got willing, it all fell into place. You know the story. At least I hope you do. If you don’t, PLEASE go read it. Even if you know the story, it would be a good day to read it again and just remember His death and His suffering – because He did it all for us, folks.
On Sunday, we’ll celebrate Easter. The kids will come out to church, all decked out in their new clothes. They’ll have Easter baskets, get candy, and hunt Easter Eggs. But what we’re celebrating is that over two-thousand years ago, an angel rolled away the stone from a borrowed grave, walked over to body of Jesus; and I like to think he placed his hand on His shoulder, gently shaking Him, and said, “Master… wake up.” And He did. He woke up! Thank God, He arose! But still to me, the greatest part of the story, is that He knew what was coming, yet He was willing to go through it all – not just for the ones who would receive Him, but for the sins of the entire world. Probably the greater majority of people since that time have denied Him – and He knew they would – but He did it anyhow. What a precious, loving Savior.

-BYRD

From my sister...

My sister, Shawna, had this to say after reading my comments from yesterday. I thought it good to preserve them here too...

"I think about mom and it makes it all worth it, cause I remember her always being there for us and that means so much more than material possesions. She was there when we got home from school and was at all our school functions. She made us dinner every night and every morning made sure we had our breakfast. She wasn't too tired to help us with our homework in the evenings and sometimes made us rice krispie treats and would bring them to us as we watched TV downstairs! I can only hope to be such a wonderful mother.Dad's sacrifice was working so hard so we could have our mother at home. He got up every morning and I can't remember him missing a day of work whether he was sick or just tired (like I do now!). I remember him loving to horse around with us in the floor and giving me wisker burn! They love being our parents.Its worth everything you have to do without. I'm sure they would say the same." -Shawna Byrd Shockley

-BYRD

This Day in History...

On March 25, 1977, Ronald Dale Byrd and Pamela Jane Stapler were united in Holy Matrimony at the Big Cove Free Holiness Church in Big Cove, Alabama. Rev. Hoyt Dalton officiated the service, and apparently did a good job as thirty-three years later, they're still married. I have known this couple as Mom and Dad.

I'm so thankful for my parents and everything they have done for me. For my whole life, they've been nothing but givers - both sacrificing unselfishly so that my sister and I could have not only our needs, but also a lot of our wants. Spoiled? No - never spoiled, as they also instilled in us the value of working for what we have and taking care of what we've earned or been given. My dad worked hard the entire time I was growing up - sometimes more than one job, so that my mom could be home with me and Shawna. Mom kept probably two or three church dresses at the most, so that she could buy us nice clothes for school and church. I never knew how much to appreciate these things until now.

They raised us to fear God and to trust in Him. They taught us to respect our elders. They taught us to love one another. They taught us so many things that I will never forget - through the examples in their lives.

Did they ever fuss? Yep - don't you and your spouse? But what I remember more than that, was that my dad kissed my mom every day before he left for work. Of course we thought it was gross at the time; but now, I look back at how special that is. My mom mentioned the other day that Dad STILL kisses her every day before going to work... it just made me feel good. So anyhow, that's just a few random thoughts about my parents on their special day.

Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad - two of the most successful people I have ever known.

-BYRD