I know I am terribly late, but I do want to thank all of you who expressed
their kind wishes for a happy birthday. I received a number of phone calls
along with the emails which were sent my way as well. Although all of the
calls were special, one that was particulaly meaningful was from Abidin
Karademir in Turkey, who some of you may remember was a blind exchange student
who lived with us from August of 2011 through June of 2012. He is now teaching
English and will have his own classroom next semester. He calls me his
American dad and has never said much about his biological father. He is a very
special young man. I had more than enough to eat with a half slab of ribs and
other goodies. My daughter made me a pineapple upside down cake which I just
finished today. This was actually received at her home on Sunday along with
other nice gifts. So I guess my birthday was more of a weekend affair. Sorry
about the lateness of my response, but here is what I propose: If you will
elect me president of the national procrastinator's convention, I will promise
not to show. Once more, thanks to you all who sent your notes of remembrance
and your phone calls as well.
Mark Martin, 73.
