March 28 is a very special day on my annual calendar.

On this date 59 years ago, Hazel A. Smith was born to a coal mining family in West Virginia. She became the 14^th of 15 children that would be born to William and Sallie Smith.

About 18 years after her birth, Hazel decided to attend West Virginia State College (now known as a university). While attending college, she met a charismatic man named S. Benjamin Patterson. On March 28, 1970, they decided to exchange vows.

After spending some quality time together as husband and wife, January 13, 1972 crosses the calendar. About 11:17am on that day, David Anthony Patterson was born.

By now, you know that Hazel (Smith) Patterson is my mother.

TODAY IS HER BIRTHDAY! 

My mother is famous for her lesson on PREPOSITIONS.

Preposition - (Hazel Patterson definition) Anything a squirrel can do to a tree that is not vulgar.

Chew on that one for awhile.

I will share her advice to me with you..........

'I don't care about your career numbers or the money made....Just be a decent person!'

In the days and times, that statement should have a profound impact on all of our lives.

I love ya momma! Happy Birthday!