Today is Stephen Foster Day. He was a great American songwriter and we commemorate his legacy on this day. He died on January 13, 1864. Generations of American schoolchildren have learned many of his songs at school through the years. His work was universal. I was surprised to learn that my kids had ever heard “Camptown Ladies.” They had never sung “doo dah, doo dah” with their classmates. I love the songs left behind by Stephen Foster but I am aware that he may be slightly obsolete. I would suggest that instead of celebrating Stephen Foster, we should celebrate my sister. Today is her birthday. She is a fierce, independent woman. She is a tremendous wife and mother. I wouldn’t be who I am if it wasn’t for her.
(To the tune of “Camptown Ladies”) Happy Birthday to my sister do dah, do dah.