Dear  Jamie Deen,

I was raised to act better than I did today and I am sorry.

Y'all were so nice to fit me into the interview schedule to discuss your upcoming appearance at the American Diabetes Association Expo at the Cobb Galleria Centre, to be held this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. As the star of “Home for Dinner with Jamie Deen” I know you don't just sit around twiddling your thumbs wondering how to fill your day.

"I'm really excited," you said regarding this weekend's visit. "I'm most excited to be close to home. Anytime Bobby, Mom and I have an opportunity to work together, it's great."

Oh, how is your Mama 'nem? See? I didn't even ask. Lawd where is my funeral home fan; I am giving myself the vapors acting such a fool.

Since I was raised in the church I do not bear false witness even when I am committing the unpardonable sin of rudeness. So I came clean and said I was in traffic court on a DUI case and couldn't talk long. (Nice start to a Monday!) I quickly explained that I wasn't there for my own DUI case but rather Reese Witherspoon's husband's, and then her disorderly conduct charge. (Did you see the arrest report? "Do you know who I am?" Indeed! I swear some people act like an empty coin purse sometimes. No cents.)

But anyway, back to you. I was looking forward to talking about the "Seeing Diabetes in a New Light" contest y'all had been running to give people  a chance to win to visit y'all down there in Savannah. And look at this delicious gumbo recipe you're fixing to cook up? Mercy!

Even though our phone conversation was over quicker than "Just As I Am" during the altar call, I did enjoy hearing you talk with such pride and devotion about your mother, Paula Deen. It sounds like you're thrilled over the partnership you and your brother Bobby are helping her work on with Novo Nordisk.

"Mom loves setting an example," you told me, referring to the healthy lifestyle changes she has made since her Type II diabetes diagnosis. "She feels better. She's about to do more things. We want her to be around for another 60 years."

Well, maybe some time in the next 60 years I'll have another chance to talk with you. Until then, best wishes for a wonderful event this Saturday. Thank you and as y'all say, "Best dishes!"