Today is my cousin, Lona’s, birthday.
We were best friends before we were old enough to even realize it.
We went to church together, and many Sundays, played together afterward. As young girls, we pretended to be secretaries. To The Beatles (we dreamed big).
Our grandmother owned a little country store and lived in the back part of that building. Lona and I once decided that we would surprise Grandma and”straighten up” the merchandise in her store. We got in BIG trouble; seems Grandma didn’t take kindly to having things moved around without her permission.
As adults, for several years, together we taught preschoolers in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. (Neither of us became secretary to a famous rock band.)
These days, we see each other often, talk on the phone, e-mail and are “there” for each other.
Happy Birthday, Lona.
I love you.
Nan
these days of mine 
What a lovely birthday tribute to your cousin Lona. Love the photos – they’re adorable especially that first one – two happy little girls with big smiles on their faces. How nice to share such dear memories with her through the years. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LONA!
Pam
So wise, “We were best friends before we were old enough to even realize it.” That’s an adorable first photo to go with that gem of wisdom. How fortunate to share a friendship with deep roots.
Happy Birthday to your cousin Lona! The two of you on that chair is priceless and should be made into a card for friends. Darling!
And you have been her best friend in recent years. You have been there for her and I know she appreciates it. Happy Birthday, Lona
Thank you, Nan!
I appreciate all you do, you’re my cousin, my pal, my “sister”, my buddy, but most of all my FRIEND. Love you lots!
P.S. Ringo says hey!
–Lona
🙂 See you for lunch!
Happy Birthday dear friend. Hope your day was full of God’s blessing.
I think of you often and hope to see you soon.
Love,
Shirley
Happy Birthday Lona! What a beautiful & loving birthday tribute! That is so sweet! Hugs!
Happy Birthday to Lona. So happy that you are Lona’s cousin and mine………………..
What an incredibly precious friendship – loyal, lasting…filled with love and laughter! I just ADORE the ‘back in the day’ photos you share!! And the stories that go with! Enjoy your lunch!
Happy Birthday Lona, I hope you day is filled with good cheer and fun. 🙂
Adorable pictures of a lasting friendship.
just, just precious. love pouring from this post…
Great pics from over the years !
Happy Birthday, Lona !!
Love you !
Oh! It is so good to has cousins! Me will sing the birthday song for Lona!
Mee!!
Meeee!!!!
Meeeeee!!!!!!!
*•.¸¸♪♫•*Happy Birthday to you ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♪♫•* ¸¸.•*
¨*•♫♪ Happy Birthday to you ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♪♫•*
¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Birthday Dear Lona!!!!! ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♪♫•*
¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Birthday to you! ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♪♫•*
Kisses
Nellie
There is no greater pleasure than being best friends from childhood. What a lovely birthday gift for your cute cousin.
So sweet! Best birthday wishes to your best friend/cousin!
Happy Birthday to your friend, Lona! That is such a sweet pic of the two of you little munchkins in the chair!
Happy birthday Lona! Beautiful memories! Bisous Bailey
So sweet ~ adorable little girls! My cousin playmate was a boy; we got along better than a brother and sister would have.
How God has blessed me with these two wonderful ladies. Little did I know when I was a friend of Dianna’s in Surry and then in Smithfield friends with Lona and graduated together in “71” they were cousins and best friends. I have had the best of two worlds.
Happy Birthday, Lona! It is so nice to have a best friend cousin!
I also wanted to thank you for your get-well wishes for Milou. This is very much appreciated!
Purrs
Great post. I enjoy seeing your pictures and hearing your stories, too.
Happy birthday to Lona! The pictures are wonderful. I especially like the one of the two of you on the chair. You were both adorable.
so sweet! I, too, have a best friend/cousin and she’s the best kind of friend there is … we are each others’ first best friend! Happy Birthday to your Lona!
MJ
Had never envisioned what being secretary to the Beatles might have been like, till now 🙂