Baptism Day and a Day Baptized
My birthday was always such a special day for me. As far back as I can remember, memories of Mama and September 3rd are entwined. Big parties, presents, surprises around every corner? No. I can only remember having one organized party. Instead, birthdays were simple family celebrations in our home. You chose your favorite meal (for several years I remember having black-eyed peas, hot dogs, pan-fried potatoes, and cornbread) and Mama made the cake of your choice (strawberry when I was very little because it was pink!). I did not have a store-bought cake until my 18th birthday. There was usually only one present and of course, the punctual card from Grandma and Grandad, with a crisp dollar bill enclosed (I was one of 19 grandchildren). No, my birthday was special because Mama made it special in other, more important ways. I remember how happy she was on my birthday and as I grew older, I came to understand th...