Happy Birthday Deputy

[DaneyDuke]

“Double Damn,†Daney muttered under her breath. How did one pack years of history and memories into one short journal entry. It isn’t possible, because I’ve had lots of adventures with my comrade and read lots of escapades about MaryAnne Victoria Coltrane, She thought.

The pretty Deputy who more than one person considered their best friend. Wait, this is supposed to be about how I feel... No one else can be in it! Daney reminded herself silently. She gently ripped the page. It was cleanly torn from the notebook, no jagged edges. The brunette Duke had gone about this the wrong way, that was nothing new and one of the things MaryAnne was patient about.

Daney started humming Holiday by Madonna... it reminded her of something MaryAnne could use after everything the 3 weeks younger woman had been though in her life...

Losing her mother when she was knee high to a grasshopper, her papa the year before she came back to Hazzard... yet, MAV was a pillar of strength when the rest of Hazzard seemed to be crumbling down.

If anyone screwed up... MaryAnne hoped one learned their lesson and didn’t repeat the offense. The curly haired, brunette Coltrane had lots of faith and trust. She was modest and unselfish. Humble and graceful.

The only time MaryAnne got upset was if someone was causing trouble for no reason. The list of MaryAnne’s good points could go on and on. And that didn’t mean she was a super hero... no she was like a shooting star in the southern night sky... a unique, special treasure. Daney couldn’t think of one person who would trade that in for anything. At least she wouldn’t... MaryAnne was an inspiration.

Happy Birthday, Deputy. I hope it was a good one. 8)

[Valerie Strate]

The stars shone in the clear dark sky over the sleepy Geogria town. Valerie sat out on her back porch in an over sized ash colored sweatshirt. She tucked her arms inside and wrapped herself in the sweatshirt. The air was slightly chilled but it was just coming out of winter and into spring. As she gazed into the sky she could see Orion the Hunter. The three stars that made up his belt had shown brightly in the sky. She smiled and rested her head on her knees as she tucked her legs in and continued to star gaze. A creaking of a screen door disturbed the stillness of the quiet spring night. Valerie turned around to see Enos walk out onto the porch. He then sat down beside her.

"Watching the stars?" he asked.

"Yeah" she answered and buried her chin into her knees.

"You O.K.?" he asked her.

"Yeah, I'm O.K." she answered yet again, "You know every time I look into the sky and see Orion's belt I am reminded of something."

"What's that Val?"

"Look at those three stars in his belt. The center is the brightest."

"Yeah. It is bright." Enos proclaimed as he looked into the darkness.

"You know constellations were named by the Roman's and Greeks, after famous folk tales and famous warriors and people?" she replied as she turned her head to her brother.

"Yeah… So what do you mean Val?" Enos asked trying to understand what she was getting at.

"Well, when ever I see stars I think of the Sheriff's department." She replied.

"That isn't unusual."

"Well when the Roman's and Greeks named stars after people or told stories about stars and people it was to honor them. Every time I see those three stars they remind me of some people I know. But the middle star, reminds me one person the most." She replied as she looked up in the sky.

"Who?"

"You and I fit in with Gemini right?"

"Yes. That's what Mama always told us and how we got our family CB handles."

"Orion's belt reminds me of the Coltranes. Each of them has the courage of Orion, the skill of that great hunter, and are all united together like a belt. But the one who shines for everything her family stands for the most is MaryAnne." Val replied still staring into the sky. She felt very strongly about the words she just spoke and some how felt awkward. She gently bit her lower lip as she felt an arm come around her shoulders. That's when she felt her eyes begin to water. She thought about how hard MaryAnne always worked to keep Hazzard a friendly and safe place to be.

"Val… that's probably one of the sweetest things you ever said about MaryAnne. I'm sure she'd feel honored that you feel that way." Enos replied patting his sister on the back as she wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her sweatshirt.

"Well, it's true. She's a truly remarkable person. She's stronger than I could ever be inside. She's always there when you need her. She takes charge when it's needed. She's one heck of a friend. Enos, if there was one thing I could do to honor her it would be to call that center star in Orion's belt, MaryAnne." Val answered and her voice faded in an awe of a whisper as she pointed up to the star.

Enos grinned and got up from the porch, "I'll be right back."

"Kay."

He went into the kitchen and poured a glass of chocolate milk and a glass of buttermilk. Then he returned to his seat on the porch beside his sister and handed her the glass of chocolate milk. He raised his glass to Val, "Let's make a toast then…"

"Yes, to the unofficial renaming of the center star in Orion's belt. Which shall be forever know as the Sheriff's badge of MaryAnne!" Val grinned and giggled to her brother as she raised her glass to his.

"That was a good one Val." Enos grinned as he took a sip of his buttermilk.

To MaryAnne Victoria Coltrane (and her author):

Have a wonderful birthday this year and may your skies be filled with stars and your heart always shine that great light. Take care my friend and may Hazzard always be safe during your unselfish enduring watch. You will always be "The Deputy" to Hazzard.

From Valerie Marie Strate (and her author)

[MinDuke]

Min Duke stood up, dressed in a light blue sleeveless dress. She looked at all of her family gathered around the kitchen table and smiled at all of them. The long table with the red and white checkered table cloth had been covered with food with all the trimmings of a good old fashioned country meal. There was fried chicken, chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, fried potatoes, corn, greens, rolls, cornbread and for dessert, peach cobbler and apple pie.

“You all know why we’re here tonight.†Her gaze fell on MaryAnne, sitting between her two cousins. The Coltrane clan sat on the right side of the table.

“MaryAnne, it’s your birthday today and before we all dive into this wonderful meal I want to propose a toast.â€

The young woman picked up her ice tea. “To MaryAnne Coltrane, the best Deputy to ever wear a badge in Hazzard County.†Her expression softened as she gazed at her friend. “You’ve got a kind heart Tory and there isn’t one person here that isn’t grateful that you’re in their life. We’re all family here and we feel privileged to spend this special day with you.†She smiled as she raised her glass. “To MaryAnne! Happy Birthday and many happy returns!â€

“To MaryAnne!†Everyone stood up and raised their glasses, clinking them against one another as they toasted the deputy.

[MaryAnne]

Awww shucks. I dunno what to say other than you've all surely made my day a good one. I never expected what y'all have done and I'm pretty much at a loss of words here but I appreciate it very much. Thank you, Daney, Val and Min. =)

(And all that food on the Duke table there looks delicious. Let's eat! Khee!)

MaryAnne

[DaneyDuke]

It's almost that time again =) Hope you have a great birthday this year!

[RogerDuke]

Happy birthday MaryAnne!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for all you do for us on the HazzardNet. We appreciate you.

Well, if you're not getting any of Uncle Jesse's finest for your birthday, maybe we can all meet at the Boar's Nest to celebrate. Buttermilks are on me!! (Well, the first round that is. After that, you folks are on your own.)

Hey, I just noticed the dates on these posts. The last time we celebrated your birthday was 2003. I guess I'll have to buy you 6 buttermilks to make up for it. I think you'll need to find a designated driver. Maybe Emma Tizdale will show up with her dirt bike.

[AlexJackson]

Youre a little early Roger, the good Deputy's birthday is tomorrow!! Happy Early Birthday MaryAnne!