Fifty-four years ago this month, Steve left Auburn University's School of Veterinary Medicine to begin his preceptorship (like an internship) with Dr. Robert Bentley in Huntsville. He was 24 years old. Today is his last day practicing at County Line Veterinary Services in Danville with Dr. Michael Penney and his amazing staff. Now he's 78. What great bookends these are to his long and remarkable career. (What a nice gesture today from the staff at County Line Veterinary Services.)...

(Us, as we were a few weeks before we got married) Today is our Fifty-FIFTH wedding anniversary!!! How is it possible that five years have passed already since our 50th anniversary party, planned to perfection by our children and grandchildren? I wrote a series of blog posts leading up to that occasion. You can read them here , here , here , here , and here . Today, though, is a good opportunity to reflect on the joys, successes, travels, family additions, and events of the last five years,...

My mother, Mildred Rose Collier, a year or so before she died. This is one of my all-time favorite photos of her. Forty years ago tonight, my mother took her last breath on earth and her first breath in heaven. She was 55 years old. Her death from a brain aneurysm was completely unexpected and staggeringly sad to all the loved ones she left behind. My dad, brother, sister, and I were devastated. As I reflect on this anniversary, my mind naturally goes to all of the occasions she has missed...