A friendly visit

On our way home from Alabama, we made a call to some dear friends in Birmingham that we haven't seen in quite a while. Our timing worked out so well that we were able to meet the Bairds for lunch at a local Mexican eatery.


Joel met Winfield in college at the dive shop, and they quickly became close friends. From there Joel and I spent a lot of time with Winfield and his then girlfriend traveling to the coast for oysters, beer and diving! What a way to start some memories! Since that time, they have remained very close, talking weekly by phone. Over the years we have been able to remain close, though family obligations have lessened our get-togethers, so this chance-meeting was a real treat.


Winfield and Paula have 3 girls - Katie (2nd grade), Annie (kindergarten), and Emily (14 months old). I have not seen them since shortly after Annie was born. You can imagine my surprise to see grown-up young girls AND a third daughter!


I'm hoping that this brief meeting will be the start of a minimum of an annual visitation. The children enjoyed meeting each other, and it would be a tremendous blessing for them to get to know each other and have the opportunity to develop a relationship like their fathers'.