HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HERB!!!

You and I grew up a lot alike, though you in the "North," and I, in the "South." I was born in 1956.

With age, comes perspective, Sir -- and for me, integration was the worst thing to happen to us (even though I'm married to a society-identified, white guy who's Italian-American and hates to be called white!).

I faced the lost of my faith some years ago because of your title. Much as I was reared, and grew up in my Mama's, Black, Baptist church -- I always asked that question with no real answer except, "God is good. All the time" in the call and response of our becoming. And so, like you, I write, read and hopefully teach, while I STILL learn -- but not necessarily in that order!!

Hope your birthday was especially great!!