Today we send our love and all best congratulatory wishes to Gigi, who turns 90 this twenty-second day of July. I chose the picture above (taken this past December) for a few reasons. Beyond the obvious "toast," there are several other things make this an appropriate image. At least for me.
The first is Gigi's smile. It's quintessential Gigi. Everyone who knows Garey Pennington will understand. She lights up a room with her smile. For the thirty-some-odd years that Gigi has been a part of my life, everyone I have ever introduced her to pick up on this fact immediately. This smile, coupled with her contagious laugh, cannot help but put you in a good mood. It's fun to be around Gigi when she begins laughing uncontrollably. She says, "Gigi's got the giggles." Be it a joke, or even just laughing at herself, I remember many times when "the giggles" went on so long that eyes began to tear-up.
The second is the orange juice. This actually represents two things for me: the color yellow (which is bright and appropriately her favorite color) and memories of many great summers spent in her home. I have so many fond memories of waking up in Gigi's Kentucky home during summer vacations, the smell of salt-risin' bread wafting upstairs, and the sound of the juice blender humming as Gigi squeezed a pitcher full of fresh orange juice. Yum!
For me, summertime is synonymous with visiting Gigi. And while I wish I could be with her in Missouri today – on her actual birthday – Kristen, Miles, Emery and I are looking forward to a summertime visit next week, when we’ll continue the celebration of this incredible 90-year accomplishment.
Happy Brithday Gigi!!! We love you ... and cannont wait to see you next week!
