Attended a lovely reception for a very special person.  Professional , intelligent , likeable ,  kind , and just an overall exceptional gentleman, he was honored by several hundred people.

I stayed, sitting near the door, for about an hour and a half, enjoying speaking with many as they passed my chair.  Some were just acquaintances, some were friends from years past, some were former students  ( one even from Winder-Barrow High School in the early 60s ) , some were  (are ) dear and precious friends, and some were simply friendly strangers.  What we all had in common was the love and respect for the honoree.

Interesting to hear comments made from guests waiting in line to speak to the guest-of-honor———when there’s a listening ear close by .

Will share some of the conversation tidbits :

—–I’ll give you a hug so you won’t write about me in the paper !

—–Do you remember my brother ?   He’s sitting right over there.

—–I have neuropathy in both feet, broke my shoulder a year ago, had a bad doctor experience, etc.

—–We just had Lavonia High’s 1964 graduating class reunion : the last class before consolidation.

—–What a lovely reception :  location, food, table set-ups and all.

—–I’m overwhelmed at the doctor appointments we have as we age.

—–Aren’t you the high school principal ?

—–Do I know him ?  I’m trying to remember .  I remember, and is that his brother ?

—–I like my job.  I really do.  But I miss the people I worked with before.

—–They just don’t come much finer than the honoree.

—–Do you know that man sitting on the bench  ( pointing down the wall ) ?

—–Where is your husband ?

—–I couldn’t take a pain pill for my back and drive to the reception.

—–The last time I saw you was at Hilltop in Athens.

—–Are those his grandchildren ?

—–You look different !

—–What a wonderful occasion !

—–I’ve missed seeing you.

—–There are so many cars out there that I’m not sure where I parked !

—–What a long line !  Seems like a lot of people wanted to honor him today.

—–Where do I know you from ?

—–Is that nice-looking man taking pictures the other vet ?

—–How are you, Diane ?  Mrs. Toney ?

—–He looks exactly like he looked when he opened the clinic.

Just a tiny snapshot of what and how some small-town/rural Southern folks are thinking on a hot Sunday in August .

What a great occasion  !  What a meaningful recognition !  What class !

——————CONGRATULATIONS, DR. PAT HITCHCOCK, VETERINARIAN EXTRAORDINAIRE………………..

 

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