God Made Him

The boy's name was Clifford.  He wasn't a big red dog.  He wasn't even a black, successful gynecologist (though, as luck might have it, he shared the first name with one Clifford Huxtable, and by virtue of that he was exposed to women's anatomy).  He wasn't best friends with Norm, though he often philosophized with a Sam, sometimes over an alcoholic beverage, I am sure, but never in a bar called Cheers.

Now Clifford earns his money as a safety inspector and trainer, yet as anyone who might have seen him, also knows that Clifford is a lover of food,  a lover of family and a lover of words.  He has written several books, notably his most recently published, Oh, Brother.  The Life and Times of Jeffrey Fazzolari, and wrapped up into this book is a story of love, family, relationships and survival.

You see, Clifford is a survivor.  There are days when he gets hit upside the head with an unwanted reality, and he mourns the losses that arose from these realities.  But despite that bubbling pain, he awakens and begins his day with words, with sharing and with an attitude of love.  He is aware that this is what he must do because his little sister, Carrie, relies on it.

Together, along with Clifford's family, readers and friends, we all move forward another day and feel the warmth that comes from relating to Clifford.  On one very special day, of every year, this day, Clifford walks on even higher ground, and here on earth and in the heavens, all who know or know of him celebrate.

Today is his birthday.  Raise a toast and wish him well.

Cliff -  God made you.  He must be in love with me.  I love you.  Happy Birthday.