Thankful for a 50th Birthday Party I Will Never Forget [PICTURES]

Last weekend was a huge weekend for me. I celebrated my 50th birthday! There were many times throughout my life that hitting 50 felt like a long shot. I have had so many health issues that I was never really sure that I would see this one. The truth is, I am actually better now and than I was at 30. I am getting healthier every day and feel I am at my best now.

I had never really had a birthday party before so this was extra special to me. My wife was just amazing putting it all together. She got our good buddy Randy Owens to cook his special pulled pork and ribs and all the fixings. We had so much meat that vegetarians in the area were running for cover.

I am an old school KISS fan and my wife had a super cool KISS cake made for me. I had so many wonderful friends come by to eat and make me feel special. I really feel blessed to have so many fantastic people who not only are in my life but care about me. My friends Chris and Jerry even brought me new pipes for my bike and put them on at the party.

The biggest treat was a total surprise visit from my parents. They came all the way from North Dakota just to surprise me. I was shocked. I then got to spend the first NFL Sunday of the year watching football with my dad and my son. I couldn't have asked for anything more.

The weekend was so eventful that even my youngest grandson Zayden pulled a Ron White and fell asleep in the bean bag chair with his hand in a bag of Cheetos. Thank you for a wonderful first 50 years of life.