16 Comments
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Marina Richie's avatar

Amen, Tom. I will remember your mom and kindness for the unloved. Maybe I'll start with starlings, pigeons, and house sparrows. Happy birthday.

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Kirsten Steen's avatar

Thank you for this gift of a gift. Happy birthday to you, and bless your mom!

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Tom Titus's avatar

Thank you, Kirsten. I’m missing her today. Before the forgetful years, she never missed a birthday.

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Mariah's avatar

I think I've always liked February well enough, and Happy Birthday! My youngest son is February boy. I also gravitate to those sunny places to live whenever possible.

That's a good gift request you've set, I shall work on that!

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Karen's avatar

Thank you for sharing this beautiful imagery and, as always, the depths of your heart and soul.

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Tom Titus's avatar

You're welcome, Karen. Thank you for stopping in! Writing heals ...

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Valerie J Brooks's avatar

I somehow could picture you and your mom driving past the mills. She was a wise woman, and damn, she loved her sons. This line: "The dwarf month in late winter when people join hands and stare at their navels in communal depression." How I laughed!! Well, you know me and my dark humor. And btw, drinks on me when you get back. Time for us to rip up a few and catch up. Happy birthday, my dear friend. You rock!

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Tom Titus's avatar

Thank you, Val. I’m ready! We’ll talk…

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Claudia Harris's avatar

Many to love and care for within reach of our hugs …. Happy birthday Tom !

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Tom Titus's avatar

These days there is only a shortage of open arms. Thank you!

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Judy Lemezis's avatar

It’s a great value for me to work on: loving the unlovable. Thank you for the nudge and happy birthday. Judy

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Tom Titus's avatar

Thank you, Judy. There certainly are a lot of opportunities to exercise this capacity.

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David wagner's avatar

This resonates with me. My parents dedicated their lives to serving the poorest of the poor.

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Tom Titus's avatar

Your folks were unanointed saints.

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Cathy Ward's avatar

Wow. Your mom and her molding of both the young and not-so-young Tom Titus come into clearer and clearer focus. Happy Birthday, Tom! —-Charlie

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Tom Titus's avatar

Thank you, Charlie. Still trying to get out the door for that gift of a little loneliness...

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