There’s a special someone in my life who is celebrating their birthday today. She is one of the biggest Alabama fans I know but yet remains at peace with Auburn fans (this can be very hard to do; I should know since I married an Auburn fan, lol). By my birth, I made her an Aunt yet again but I am the lucky one. You see Donna Sue is more than an Aunt, she is like another grandmother to us. When William Michael was born, she spent the night with us  once a month when I had to work late and Will was in school. She’s one of the most selfless people I know-next to Jesus and my mom.  And her laugh- it’s contagious and puts a smile on your face instantly.

She’s our family historian. I could spend countless hours listening to her stories of members I knew and those I did not. There’s pride in her voice as talks about those that have gone on before us. Although, she did not have any children of her own, her nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews became her children. Her happy place is the beach, and I can remember many of a beach trip with her. She’s also the family photographer capturing the many details of our lives that we may have soon forgotten if not for the photographs she takes. Although she has spent a lot of time behind the camera lens, she has always been very much part of our lives and we are forever grateful.

Anyone lucky to have met her and become her friend know just how special she is. So on this very special day, I want to say Happy Birthday and that we love you so very much! I look forward to another night of family stories sitting at my kitchen table with the room filled with your laughter.