Shipptown, Alabama

During the years we lived in Birmingham, I had the good fortune to work with Katheryn Shipp, and even more blessed that Charlcie and I became lifelong friends with Katheryn, her husband Franklin, and their family. Since our families were all back in Arkansas, the Shipps became almost like family to us while in Alabama. In fact, we have long dubbed Katheryn and Franklin as Ben's Alabama grandparents due to him spending a lot of time with them when Charlcie and I went away for week-ends or just to let Ben enjoy good country living and time spent with a great family. Their entire family and even some in their community treated Ben like family. We know that Ben has always appreciated the fun times he had with them and the mutual love that they have for each other. And we share that sentiment. Unfortunately, Franklin passed away a few years back, and we miss him. And also unfortunately, Katheryn has had a rough go of it the past year and is fighting like a real trooper. As she is embarking on another round of treatment, and with her birthday coming up, Charlcie and I decided we really wanted to go visit Katheryn and her family. And we are so glad we did! We had a great visit which reinforced our love for these folks. Hopefully we will be able to get back down there more often. We also took one day to visit our other great friends from Birmingham, Gene and Linda Murdock. Regrettably, I forgot to get the camera out for a pic.

 Sweet Katheryn with her Birthday cake

 Birthday dinner

 Eating is a great way to celebrate together

Who's going to cut the cake?