Today, I'm Blessed to be celebrating my 50th birthday. Hoooooooah! The good Lord has blessed me with a wonderful mother, whose Love and compassion is second only to her love and devotion to me and my beloved, younger sister, Melissa and her three daughters - Marissa, Emily and Miss Jada; and now, two great grandchildren - Kayden and Zavien.
As I compose this short post, I feel obligated to reflect upon those who have the most meaning and value in my life. It goes without saying that the love of my family is first and foremost in my mind; for, without them, I would not be the man I am today.
I have enjoyed the benefits of close friendships and memorable conversations with many who have been a part of my life - even if at a distance for most of it. I have friends and schoolmates from Audubon Elementary, Rock Island High School and Knox College. From the teachers and professors, girlfriends and boyfriends, fraternity brothers, Army buddies and fellow amateur athletes, I thank you all for helping to shape and mold me. You see, without each of your contributions, most positive and a few negative, I have learned to remain focused in my goals to be a loyal son, reliable brother, compassionate friend and devoted American patriot.
I am proud to admit that I am a "corn fed white boy" from America's Land of Lincoln living a modest and humble life in Florida because, it seems, that is God's purpose. I'm good with his plan, as this path has a funny way of bringing some of the most treasured relationships into my universe.
Last, but not least, thank you to all of the fine men and women who enrich my life through our shared commitment in our Catholic Faith. A special shout out to my Catholic Home, Nativity Catholic Church, and all the non-judgmental parishioners who accept me as a man who is faithful to his God and the 10 Commandments while finding valuable ways to volunteer my time in our local community.
As I compose this short post, I feel obligated to reflect upon those who have the most meaning and value in my life. It goes without saying that the love of my family is first and foremost in my mind; for, without them, I would not be the man I am today.
I have enjoyed the benefits of close friendships and memorable conversations with many who have been a part of my life - even if at a distance for most of it. I have friends and schoolmates from Audubon Elementary, Rock Island High School and Knox College. From the teachers and professors, girlfriends and boyfriends, fraternity brothers, Army buddies and fellow amateur athletes, I thank you all for helping to shape and mold me. You see, without each of your contributions, most positive and a few negative, I have learned to remain focused in my goals to be a loyal son, reliable brother, compassionate friend and devoted American patriot.
I am proud to admit that I am a "corn fed white boy" from America's Land of Lincoln living a modest and humble life in Florida because, it seems, that is God's purpose. I'm good with his plan, as this path has a funny way of bringing some of the most treasured relationships into my universe.
Last, but not least, thank you to all of the fine men and women who enrich my life through our shared commitment in our Catholic Faith. A special shout out to my Catholic Home, Nativity Catholic Church, and all the non-judgmental parishioners who accept me as a man who is faithful to his God and the 10 Commandments while finding valuable ways to volunteer my time in our local community.
© Lonnie Ledford 2018 All Rights Reserved.
