Birthday Party Thoughts-From The Corner Of My Mind

Where to start?
First, I want to thank my wife W-spouse. You did a spectacular job planning, coordinating, preparing, greeting the guests and a myriad of other things to make this party happen. You did this after only getting three hours sleep the night before after attending Project Graduation with our graduate. I can never repay you for your kindness, generosity and love for me and my family. I love you Whitney!

Second, I want to thank my daughters for putting together a collage of pictures for everyone to share, and to bring back some warm memories of times past in my life. From my childhood days, graduation, the birth of my children, my family and friends, and the many numerous hobbies that you have had to endure since you were born. I love you girls very much and it was a blessing and joy to have gotten to share this special time with you at my party.

Mr Answers, you're a special person and I am so blessed to have you and your beautiful wife as a brother and sister in Christ. Lifelong friends we will always be. Your words touched me, and were so kind. I Love you brother.

Eric, our friendship continues to develop each day. Although we work together and see each other more than we do our families, we find a way to separate work from our private lives. From our many discussions to our jokes we play on our wives, you keep me laughing every day.

Shayne, It's hard to even begin to thank you for what you've done for my family and most especially my two girls, because it would take this whole page and more. It is going to be a joy to have you and Jim here close to home. I love ya Shayne.

Dan, The tone in your voice, the manner in which you spoke, the giant hug meant so much. I have watched you grow up from a gentle, shy little boy to a loving husband and father. I hope some where along the way that I helped contribute to the good person and man that you have become. Your words will always hold a place in my heart.

Troylene, you girl had me crying from the start. 22 years ago we met. You attended my 30, 40 and now 50th birthday parties. I can't possibly describe a better friend. Just saying your name is enough. You have always been true to your word. Through all of my downs, through all of your downs and through all the happy times in our lives our relationship has remained constant. Never failing to call me at the time when I needed to hear your voice the most. Never failing to come to me in a time of need. Your friendship knows no boundaries. A truer friend a person couldn't find. I will forever love you for who you are.

David, like we both stated at the party, you're the brother I never had. As first cousins it was our destiny at an early age to share a bond and friendship forever. What you did for me at the party (the flyover banner) and the wonderfully thought out t-shirts were the show winner. The "Black Widow Cafe" shirt was talked about all night. You will soon be caught up in age with me, but right now, I can't think of a way to repay your generosity and kindness when you turn 50. BUT I WILL. I want you to understand that when I shed the tears last night when I mentioned you, that it was such a joy in my heart to see you there and to be able to shake your hand and give you a hug. The "situation" you endured a year ago scared me. So much in fact that I had to come see you. I had to know in my mind and heart that you would be OK. You were, and now you are on the road to a long healthy life. Please, please don't scare me like that again. I love you brother!

To my Mother, Papa Harold, immediate family, extended family and to all my in-laws. Thank you so much for sharing this special evening with us. Thank you for travelling such long distances to be here. Thank you for caring about me and helping me to make it to 50 years old. Each one of you has played a role in my life at some time or another. I can't remember each time, and could never begin to repay each one of you for guidance, and support over the years. I know that there were times that you probably weren't very proud of me, and for that I am sorry. I can't say that each step I ever took was toward the light. I can say that your love and kindness never ceased. Each time that I came crawling back I was met with open arms and a never ending love. I love each of you so much and thank you for sharing this time with me.

To the many friends that came. Thank you. It would be a challenge to mention every one of you by name. After planning this for months, and as the party neared, I got nervous and had visions about people not being able to come. When I rose to speak,  I was overwhelmed with emotion looking out over the number of friends that came to share this time with me. This wave of emotion just flooded my soul and such a feeling of humbleness filled me. So many people that my life has crossed paths with. So many people that were loyal to their word and came to celebrate this time. I am so blessed to be able to call each and every one of you "my friend".

To my co-workers and spouses that came. I have been working in some fashion or another since I was sixteen years old, even employed by one company for a 17 year stay, but I have never worked with such a fine group of people or a better company. Every day we make strides to become a superior company in our industry and I am proud to be a small part of that. Your knowledge and understanding of the aspects of our job make it easy to assist me, when needed, to carry out the responsibilities needed to provide our customers with the best service possible. Thank you for supporting me and for putting up with my "BS".

Kathleen(Obi), my blog buddy. The person that inspired me to start this blog. I sincerely have enjoyed reading your words for the last 3-4 years. Your journey through life and the sharing of your words through your blog. I have watched your children grow, watched your flowers grow, watched as a tree house grew, and watched as your very soul was tried to be torn out on your blog. Never once, did you fail to be "encouraging". So many times we have commented back and forth and also text back and forth, and without fail, you always encouraged me to remain positive and keep my chin up. Your pep talks and simple gestures for my children and I will not be forgotten as your children grow. You also picked a pretty good guy to share your life with. A cook like no other, Doug is an outstanding and fun person to hang out with. Thanks for your beautiful uplifting spirit, and the lovely words that you spoke about me.

Thank you Cody Robbins Band for the wonderful music, and for you kind words. Your band is top notched, your songs are great and original, and your style is unmatched in the Texas Country Genre. Click to purchase some great tunes, or to book the band for your next show. I highly recommend them, and not one time during or after the party did I hear a complaint about them.

I know that I have missed someone and for that I apologize now. Again, I can't express enough the emotion that even today I still feel. As I looked through all the pictures today, tears flowed from my eyes. W-spouse said it best last night. She was speaking to one of our guests and he said, "I thought Wendell was this big manly guy, but he's really just a softy" and she replied, "he's such a woman". Whatever, I was truly touched.

Or it could have been that everyone was just there for the free food and drinks!!!
I love each of you, Wendell aka: ATC