Last week we invited readers to share their birthday memories. Here is Lexington author Kathleene Little’s memory.

Lendsey Lanier Poss was a man who didn’t live by the rules of the majority. Some where along the way he was given the nick-name “Pete” and was so fond of it he changed his middle name.

His birthday was May 9, 1918. He made it through the 6th grade but finished his learning by tilling the soil and doing whatever was needed to help his family.

He joined the Army and went off to war leaving behind his sweetheart, Lois Clotilde Ivey. Pete was honorably discharged, married Clotilde and his daughter arrived on her Daddy’s birthday.

Mildred Kathleene’s birthday was May 9, 1950. Pete was 32 that day. He was excited and could barely think of anything else.

When the doctor said Clotilde was fine and he was the father of a healthy, baby girl, he took a breath and sighed with relief. He was so honored to be a father. His baby girl, his 1st born, was his birthday gift.

Years went by and with each birthday there was a double celebration. Each year, as the joint birthday approached, Pete would ask Kathy, “How old are we this year?” Whatever age Kathy was, Pete was as young and vibrant. It was his way to honor his daughter and his appreciation of life.

Pete enjoyed his birthdays, but he was not a man to put up with too much tomfoolery. He claimed never to go to church every Sunday lest he become a hypocrite.

He might drink a little on an occasional Sunday but during the week he took his responsibilities seriously. Pete always provided for and took good care of his wife, children and mother who lived with them. He never let a day go by without saying “I love you” to each family member.

He was a little brother to 2 older sisters, and they came to see their mother Lucy. He loved them dearly, but if they tried to tell him what to do, or how to live, he would have nothing to do with it.

Pete was an uncomplicated man. He enjoyed his beagles, pigs and his work shop. He spent many hours tinkering on automobiles and trucks. He took pride in re-selling cars and trucks after refurbishing the engines and re-painting the bodies. Birthdays for Pete were gentle reminders

Birthdays for Pete were gentle reminders of a good life. Kathy and Pete’s celebrations were usually private with a homemade cake and ice cream. They made separate wishes and blew out the candles together.

After Kathy married and left home, she missed those special times with her Daddy. There were telephone conversations often and each May with Pete again asking Kathy, “How old are we today?”

Kathy doesn’t remember Pete talking about getting old. He took life one day at a time and enjoyed the journey.

He died young, only 66, but it matters not how long we live but how well we live.