I don’t do things like this often. In fact, I do them never.

But, today is a very special day.

You have seen comments here by Bud Malone. I have been honored to get to know Bud and his charming, beautiful, and smart daughters, Kathleen and Kelly.  I met him right here at the beauty salon when he emailed me something very funny.  We have never met in person, but have exchanged emails, letters, gifts, sadness and joy online and in real life. They have made me and ole Bubba feel like family.

Bud comes from a life filled with labor and Democratic politics in Minnesooota. Among many other things, Bud was Commissioner of Labor and Industry in Minnesota. He has spent his entire life helping make life better for the middle class. He’s still spending that life wisely and with just the right amount of impishness.

Several years ago, Bud lost his lifelong love, the beautiful Barbara.

I know his heart is still heavy but he’s picked up where she left off with his daughters and granddaughter. God was wise to give those four women a man like Bud to teach them to roar like a woman.

In Texas we have a saying about a good horse: he can stand without hitching. It means you can get off the horse and walk away to tend business and the horse won’t move. He can be trusted to stay and wait for you and doesn’t have to be watched, warned or hitched to a fence post to do the right thing. Bud Malone can stand without hitching. Very few people can be trusted that much.

Today is Bud’s 90th birthday.

I love you, Bud Malone. I love your sense of humor, your wisdom, your thoughtfulness, your funny way with words, your anger at injustice, and deep abiding faith that government can work for us all.

Happy Birthday, Bud. You are simply the best and here’s to 90 more for me to enjoy you.

By the way, Bud sent me a personalized autographed picture of Emma Thompson, one of my favorite actresses, because Bud has that kind of pull. Eat your heart out.