Why April 12 sucks

In my 64 years on this planet, I have had the privilege of having many, many great friends. But today marks the anniversary of the death of one of my very best friends - and partner in crime - Leon Douglas Shipp.

Shipp was always the prankster, and always up for anything that sounded like fun. He made dull times into a party full of life and laughter.

My heart breaks every April 12th when I remember the phone call I got from Champ telling me Doug had died. He was only 39.

My only salvation - and keeps me from erasing April 12th from the calendar - is that my grandson, Nolan was born on April 12th.

The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away.