In a few days the family will be celebrating the 99th birthday of my grandmother Rosalie Deekles Smith. We will be engaged in what is called a "low country boil", a meal that represents the threads that entwine to form our family fabric. See, my grandmother was a Geechee girl. Born in Savannah, GA and raised in Beaufort, SC, Rosa Lee (she changed it to Rosalie) was the beholder of strength and substance in our family. As we eat out of our pot filled with crabs, shrimp, potatoes, smoked sausage (turkey), & corn flavored with that special seasoning we will be remembering the beautiful times we shared with our Rosalie. We will be calling upon those that we only know by name and spirit to continue to adjust our lives and help us maintain the family bond that we share. Happy Birthday Rosa! Thanks to you we have a reason to come together with joy in our hearts.