Not too long ago we had a small family get-together/reunion which was hosted by my beautiful Aunt who just wanted to reconnect. She flew in from Philly and talked many relatives into coming to Tucson. Family members from all over flew in to join in the festivities as well as family and long time friends I haven’t seen in a while from right here in Tucson. My brother came in from Minneapolis. My oldest brother and his wife with there new grandbaby of which I had yet to meet! My great Aunt came down from Texas with some cousins or great cousins I suppose I would call then. Family members I wouldn’t know were family other than the back tracking in the family tree and being told so. My cousin Gretchen came as well from South Carolina. This is where my story comes in.

Now Gretchen and I are two years apart, with me being the older one. We were fairly close growing up usually seeing each other weekly. Her father was not only my Uncle, but my Godfather. I haven’t seen her in years although I would get the run down from time to time of the up keepings of her life. I think the last time I remember actually seeing her I was about 11 or 12. She moved away with my Aunt and that was that. Life flew by and we both became adults. It was wonderful to see how beautiful she looked and how wonderful her life had turned out for her. Law school, a gorgeous little boy and just plain happiness. After we got caught up with her life she turned to me and said with her slight southern drawl, “Daddy tells me you’re a professional mud wrestler!” Ummm… what the heck do you say to that?!? So I said the first thing that popped into my head. “Not just a professional mud wrestler, but the Southwestern Regional Champion for the past 18 years!” I beamed as I bragged about my 100 plus trophies and how I started in the fly weight division but have since moved up to the middle weight class. I told her my stage name was ‘Tough Flo’ and she seemingly absorbed my every word. Smiling and nodding at me like a proud mother… I couldn’t take it any more. “Noooo Gretchen! I am NOT a professional mud wrestler!!” LOL  With her innocent child-like look that I remember oh so well she asked “why would Daddy tell me such a thing?”  Gee I don’t know… maybe because he knows you… knows me and knew you’d fall for it hook line and sinker! Good grief…  is there even professional mud wrestling out there??