Dear Bud,
It is hard to believe but it was only three years ago that I made the trip to Nederland to be part of your 80th birthday celebration, It was so much fun to have the opportunity of meeting many of your family members whom I had only known of through your stories of family fun at gatherings some of whom I had met on earlier occasions who were no longer with us but only in spirit.
You had told me about the trips to Missouri and the family musical gatherings and the repair jobs that you and your brother had done while there and only wish I could remember the catchy company name you had come up with to represent your industrious prowess. I remember helping you replace a mirror in the guest bathroom in your first house in Texas and how Mr. now it all, me, did not listen to what you told me to do and damaged the corner which now had to be replaced. As usual you did not show any anger or frustration toward your friend and then we were off the local home improvement stores to find a replacement before Bonnie got home from work. WE were unable to find an exact replacement but to me it looked so close that she would not notice the new mirror. NOT. The first thing that she noticed was that it was different from the original and me being the still indoctrinated former Roman Catholic said that I was the guilty one.
That was the home where you opened the doors and welcomed your Aunt Helen who had aged to the point where there was no family remaining in Beverly and the two of you brought her to a sanctuary. I also remember helping Bonnie set new plants in the front yard which was fun and rewarding. There was also the banana plant in the back yard in a corner next to the pool that if I remember corrects always caught a frost before it was able to produce any fruit on an annual basis. Then there was the blooming of the Texas State Flower, Bluebonnet. They were all over the place and what a beautiful sight to see. There was one yard around the corner whose entire front yard was in bloom. I think that the only negative in my mind was the constant sound of those darn birds which gathered all over the place sounding like they were constantly arguing with other. A grackle I believe. Well guess what, hey have followed me and every time I go to the local WalMart there is a huge roost of them in the live oaks.
I have been staying in trying in touch with your Bonnie and hope to make a visit sometime in November.
Happy 83rd Bud but must let you know that I totally disagree with the fact that you found a way to stop aging but your spirit is with me every day and it always brings a smile to my face.
Bless you my friend
Danny
Dan Owen Doyle 