My cousin Lee is six days older than I am. We grew up together and have remained friends for all of our lives. The past year has brought some health challenges to Lee, but I’m very happy to say he is slowly on the mend.

Lee lives in Austin, and I’m in California, but we stay in close touch through Facebook and texting. I had the chance to see him at his home this past summer, which was a treat, and he and his wife, Elaine, traveled on two of the international trips that I host through Story Circle Network. Visiting the Amalfi Coast in 2019 and Sicily in 2024 gave us even more chances to hang out and enjoy one another.

I wish you the best of health this upcoming year, Cousin, as well as the chance to play and listen to the music you love, and to spend time with the people you love, many of whom live right there in Austin. I look forward to seeing you again in person sometime in the not-too-distant future.

Keep on, keeping on, my friend. I love you very much and am so happy you are still among the living.

Here’s to 2026 and the miracles of modern medicine!

Lee and Len Leatherwood