A Funny Thing Happened

A funny thing happened while passing through the state of Alabama last week.



It began bright and early one morning with a proclamation by me to The Kid that under no circumstances would we be stopping at Greenbrier Barbecue for lunch that day.  (Greenbrier was one of our favorite places to enjoy pulled pork, catfish and hush puppies during our fifteen year tenure in north Alabama.)

The edict was issued as we were packing the car following an overnight stay in a less than stellar motel in Montgomery.  By the time we reached the outskirts of Birmingham I had decided that it would be a shame to be so close to heaven and not stop for a quick bite to eat.  However hush puppies would not be permitted within 10-feet of our table thus eliminating the threat of any southern fried goodness reaching my taste buds and jeopardizing my new healthy lifestyle .

Soon after the decision was made to stop for lunch my cell phone rang.  It was Chris.  "Where are you he asked?"  "Just north of Birmingham," I responded "and we're thinking about having lunch at Greenbrier's."  "Seriously," he replied?  "That sounds good.  I'm in Corinth, MS and I can be there in an hour and a half.  I'll join you."

And so it began.  Shortly thereafter I remembered that B & the grands were visiting her family in Huntsville.  A call was made and the conversation went something like this:

Me: "What are you doing for lunch today?  Want to go to Greenbrier?"

B: "Where are you?"

Me:  "Cullman.  We're meeting Chris at 12:30 why don't you join us, and bring your Mom too."

Within minutes my phone rang second time.  It was Chris.  "I called Ben (B's brother) and he's going to meet us for lunch too."

And that's how it happened, this impromptu family reunion in a back roads barbecue joint in north Alabama.  Two became eight.  It wasn't quick but it sure was wonderful.  The pulled pork was as tasty as I remembered. They company even better.  I got to spend time with some of my most favorite people in the universe.  And (the best part of all) I was on the receiving end of happy hugs and kisses from Miss A and the G-Man who had no idea who was waiting for them at lunch that afternoon.

My taste buds and my heart were well satisfied.

And the hush puppies?  They were to die for.