A Quote, a Riddle and A Birthday

Do not condemn the judgment of another because it differs from your own.

You may both be wrong.
Dandamis, sage (4c BCE) (Was this guy smart? You bet! I suspect there is someone you know who needs to read this quote!)

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Now for the riddle: about two weeks ago I discovered a large, very wet area in the dry wall behind my washing machine. It stayed wet for two to three days after I discovered it, even though I wasn't using the washer and I had cut off the water valves to the hoses. We called our plumber, who came one evening and tore out the area of the drywall that was still damp. He found no evidence of a leak; nothing else was wet in that area and when he ran the washer cycle, no leaks could be detected anywhere.

I asked him if it was possible that the roof over that area (a knee wall) was leaking and that the leaks were running to that area. He said he had felt all around that area behind the drywall and nothing else was wet. I let it all rest for the days I was working last week, and yesterday I ran two loads of wash. Still NO leaks at all. It is a big mystery! Do you have any theories as to what could have happened?

*****

My son, quite possibly the best son ever, turns 44 today. I remember that day just like it was last week, so it is hard for me to consider just how long it has really been. It was a dark and rainy night, and I was sitting on our couch watching the end of The Tonight Show when my water broke. I hollered down the hall to mr. kenju, who promptly got up and turned on every light in the house. I convinced him to call the doctor, and he was told to bring me to the hospital ASAP. He took that message to heart; speeding and running red lights. I told him that if we got stopped by a policeman, it would take much longer to get there, so he slowed down and we arrived about 1:30 a.m. The woman who met us at the entrance and took us up to the delivery floor was intent on talking to me about cats. She must have thought that she needed to take my attention away from what was happening. I love cats and always have, but she talked our ears off about them in the short elevator ride and I decided right then and there to never become a "crazy cat lady" as she most surely was.

Our son was born at 4:50 am, and since I was out like a light at the time, I didn't get to really look at him and check him over for a few hours. I was very happy to see that he had all his fingers and toes and to learn that he had passed the tests they gave newborns back then. He proved to be a beautiful baby, whom everyone said reminded them of Winston Churchill's fat cheeks. Little by little, over the years, he grew to be a special boy, one who showed deep compassion for life and loyal friendship to many. As as adult, he still proves how special he is on a daily basis; not perfect, mind you - but one whom most parents would be proud to call son. We are indeed blessed. Happy Birthday, Sonny Boy!