Why I Cried Like A Kid With A Broken Heart When the Reunion Was Over

By: Linda Williams Bosley

                                                      Me, Becky Orange and Janice Hall

The moment I woke up this morning my mind started replaying scenes back to me of the night before.  As I lay there, still in a somewhat dreamy state, a sea of faces flooded my awakening. I recounted dozens of smiles and countless hugs; some were for me and some were for others. But it was not just the images that replayed; I could hear it all as well. Sounds of happy and excited friends reconnecting were everywhere. There was a beautiful and explosive show of friendship ‘fireworks’ everywhere I looked. As I watched this happening, the realization hit me that I, in some small way, had helped this to happen, and it was a “take-your-breath-away” moment for me. Right then and there was the greatest accomplishment for all my labors…and it was at that moment that I realized my reward. It felt amazing.

Within just a minute or two I had recounted highlights from beginning to end of the 2012, 46^th year reunion for the 1966 graduating class of Oliver Springs High School.

When the recall ended, and I was fully awake, I sat up on the edge of the bed, took a deep breath…and said out loud to myself, “Wow…its over. It was amazing, and…it’s over.”  Then I lay back down, covered my head with the blanket…and cried like a kid with a broken heart.

After a minute or two of tears I wiped my eyes with the sheet and stared up at the ceiling, “Holy cow, what in the world is wrong with me? I must be lots more tired than I realize. I should be happy. Sure it’s over…what a relief. I can think of something now that doesn’t have to do with the word REUNION. Now I can get back to my life again.” And to that thought, the tears poured again, only this time more intently.  “Ok…get it together girl, you need a hot shower, things will look better after that.”

I am glad to report the shower worked and I am ok. But, I have cried several more times today as I have tried to discover just what is causing me to feel so emotional about reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances. Sure I’m tired as anyone would be after being the hostess of such an even, but…it is more than that. A lot more than that.

No love, no friendship, can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever."
Francois Mocuriac

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.
- Anais Nin

The Last Committee Meeting

I had planned a lunch get-together for 1pm today for any out-of- towners who happened to still be around after the reunion. And even after having slept in and missed my church… I still had to hurry to make the luncheon on time at 1pm.

 I seemed to be the last to arrive at the hotel restaurant, and as I walked in the lobby all I could do was smile as I saw who had shown up. Interesting enough the lunch, in the end, turned out to be mostly my reunion committee. Those brave souls who had stuck with me through this from beginning to end. And are those whom I have reconnected to and fell hopelessly in love with over the last four months. How, can I ever share with you all, in a way to do them justice, just how wonderful they truly are?

Ginny Duggins Crisp Shippley

My Consultant Cohort – My Friend

Ginny Duggins

Over the last year, Ginny and I have become great friends. I was living here in Oak Ridge at the time of, our classmate and her first husband, Bill Crip’s passing. Bill was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam and died several years ago with liver cancer because of it.

I had known of that trail in her life when it was happening, but sadly was not there for her or Bill. My own life was a mess at that time and unfortunately I could not see past myself to reach out to anyone. I had deeply regretted this. So, when I came back into the area this time I reconnected with her.

When I mentioned the idea of a reunion to her, she encouraged me, but said she just did not want to that again. She felt it would be just too exhausting. J

Of course she didn’t want to.  It is lots of work and is quite risky investing $$ into something you are not sure will pay you back. She and Bill had already done this twice in one life time. So, Ginny knew first-hand how hard it is. I told her that was ok and that I understood, but would she just be my consultant? She smiled and said, “Sure, but I probably won’t even attend.”  I just smiled back.

Bill had a larger than life personality. He loved other people and always had Ginny involved with doing things for others with him. I knew she would be there for me, just as they would have done together had he still been alive to help.

And there she was waiting…in the hotel lobby…for me… at 1pm, because I asked her to. Waiting, even though she was exhausted from the reunion the night before, where she took charge of the kitchen like a ‘pro’.  Here was my little Ginny who had been my very own ’Iron Chef’ from the word “go”.

This is who, this lovely and sweet little Ginny has become; loyal, beautiful and a true giver. Always looking for ways to bless the lives of those around her. She has touched my heart with her example and made a difference in my life with her kind and generous ways.

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."
- Bible: Ecclesiastes

Johnny Niswander –

The Biggest Flirt Becomes My Friend

Johnny Niswander

I told Johnny just the other day that He was actually one of the only 1966 ‘senior superlatives’ who actually deserved his title, “Biggest Flirt”.

 I know you girls will agree. As most of us could always count on Johnny for a flirty wink, a hug, kiss and or anything else he thought he could get away with in high school.

I am happy to report the man still has that same contagious smile and although a little gray around the edges, cute and flirty ways.

Although I was fortunate to date him just a bit in high school, I did not have the great privilege of understanding the man behind the flirty smile until just this past year. As our relationship has grown now in a different direction and he has become one of my best friends.

Johnny was all for the reunion from the very beginning.

”Just tell me what you want me to do”, were his very words. J And of course I love telling a man what to do. So… I did.

 He has unceasingly reached out and sought out every classmate he could find to make sure they were invited. I knew he would prove to be very valuable has a ‘head hunter’, because he seems to keep track of old friends in a most loyal and caring way. Kinda like an old dog keeps up with his favorite bone. He may seem a little distracted at times but he has one eye on that bone always. Grrrrrrr!!

He was there for me at every request and every meeting. Although near the end he was sure if he had not been able to find you…then you must be dead! LOL
It became a joke among the committee that you
had better let Johnny hear from you, or you would end up on the deceased list at the reunion.

He is probably one of the very few friends left of Karl Queener’s who has never stopped checking in on him.

Johnny took the initiative to arrange for Karl to be there at the reunion. This meant a lot to Karl, and Johnny knew it would. But…I knew it would also mean there would be a sacrifice made by Johnny.

Karl’s health is not good. He is weak and would not be able to stay out long. We debated for a while if bringing him to the reunion would be worth the risk that might be involved. Johnny talked with Karl’s mother as well as the doctors at the nursing home to make sure this would be in Karl’s best interest.

Johnny told me that Karl had called him at 6:45 am that Saturday morning to remind him NOT to forget to come pick him up. When Johnny saw his name as an incoming call so early in the morning he was concerned. In Johnny’s words, He said he asked Karl why the hell he was calling so early in the morning. To which Karl responded, “I just didn’t want you to forget me.”

Karl was ready and waiting to be picked up that afternoon. And my guess is he had been ready and had been waiting all day.

Thank you Johnny for making that happen for Karl and for all of us. It was a special treat in the life of our Karl and of course very special to have him there with us.

This is the kind of man and friend that Johnny Niswander has become. I am so proud to say that I know him and that he is become one of my very favorite friends.

There is no hope of joy except in human relations."
- Antoine de Sainte-Exupery

Jerry Brown

Mild Mannered Super Friend

Jerry Brown & Jayne Wheaton

Jerry actually graduated 1965 but lots of classmates from 65 have remained close to us 66ers. As you might recall, there were several marriages from these two classes.

This is a good spot in my writing to mention that the reunion for 1966 soon became pretty open to lots of other graduating classes. We had classmate friends from as early as 1961 and as late as 1970 who attended. We soon took the restriction of those who had actually ‘graduated’ away as well, and made it “graduates and friends”. So glad we did this, because not all of our high school buddies were in our same class or actually graduated.

Back to Jerry -

Most of you will remember cute and happy Jerry. Jerry, with his auburn, curly, thick hair, and cute, cute smile. Guess you could say he was our “Cramer” look-a-like. (If you have ever watched the TV show Jerry Steinfeld, then you will know who Cramer is)  Not quite as goofy as Cramer, if you will, but just as cute and funny.  Always happy and smiling, that was Jerry.

Now a more mild-mannered, not so thick, gray-haired gentleman. Quiet and soft spoken, but oh, so willing to help his friends.

Jerry has had plenty of trails in his life to overcome as most of us have. I am so impressed with his attitude and how he remains accepting with no bitterness in his heart. He is definitely a man who sees his life’s cup is half full and not half empty.

Jerry seems to have his bucket list and has a great love and zest for living a happy life. He recently met up with old army buddies in Virginia for a week long reunion. He loves to travel and is eager to see and do lots more in life. So yeah, still the fun loving guy we all grew to love in high school but now with a touch of gray maturity. Very well aged J

Jerry thank you for sticking with me here to the bitter end and for all you did as part of the reunion committee.
"Friends are the most important ingredient in this

this recipe of life."  by Dior Yamasaki

Connie Elrod Evans

The Light and Life of the Reunion

Kenneth Justice & Connie Elrod

Ever noticed in life how some who are the smallest in stature can grow the biggest personalities? That is our Connie and always has been. She has not changed in that respect. She was the light and life of this reunion. So dedicated to others feelings. So inspired and creative in her giving. She has touched my heart where it was needed in the worse way.

When Connie got wind of this reunion on Facebook she immediately requested my friendship and asked what she could do. Boy was I ready for her help and what a blessing she became to this effort.

Right away she began contacting her old classmate friends and enlisted the help of several of them. She lives in Franklin TN, but drove down here to Oliver Springs, to be with us for planning meetings and get togethers. She brought her positive and loving heart each time. It was obvious to me that she wanted to make the reunion something special for everyone.

Not long after we realized we needed to pay a special tribute to the fallen soldiers from our high school, Connie agreed to take this task on as her personal baby. She and Brenda Carter together made sure we collected the right names and had all the information we needed to pay a small tribute to our fallen. But Connie did not stop there. She soon enlisted the help of David Hall as she put together a touching and respectful tribute to share and honor these young classmates who have paid the highest price in life for our country. Once she had in mind what she wanted to do she took it to the next level. Realizing that nowhere in Oliver Springs is there a tribute honoring are Vietnam soldiers she resolved to change that.

She then made connections with representatives from the Oliver Springs Historical Society and offered to donate the fallen soldier tribute to the new museum being built in the historical old Abston bldg., where Daugherty’s Garage once lived.

 I am so proud to announce that the society was thrilled with her donation and actually came to the reunion to accept it in person.

As a side note here, Connie was driven and determined to her commitment to the reunion and the fallen soldiers. So much so, that even after taking a fall on July the 4^th and busting up her knee cap, she never stopped. Connie came to the reunion and participated never complaining not even once. I am not sure anyone even noticed the fact that she was limping from the injury. She took off the knee brace so no one would know. She totally went above and beyond to fulfill her responsibilities and promises to me and the reunion. The world would be so much better off with lots more people like Connie in it.

Wow, Connie you take my breath away with your golden heart and loving spirit. You made the reunion into something more than just a get together for old friends…you showed us all how important it is to give back. Thank you to my sweet and lovely friend and classmate Connie Elrod Evans.

Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.
Martin Luther King

Brenda Loy McGhee

The Loyal Friend!

Carlene Wilson & Brenda Loy

Brenda actually tracked me down…still don’t know exactly how, but I think it had something to do with Connie Elrod. If I am remembering correctly Brenda’s daughter emailed me on Facebook and gave me Brenda’s phone number.

Of course, I called.  Wayne McGhee answered the phone. I had forgotten that they had married. Another example of the many matches created by Oliver Springs High School. J

Brenda was excited and asked for all the reunion information so she could start inviting classmates that she knew still in the Oliver Springs area.

Brenda was so excited I asked her to please come to our committee meeting and be part of the team. She was excited and accepted.

Brenda really had her hand in everything; planning, phone calls, invitations, set up and clean up. She proved to be a big, big support for Connie and her fallen soldier tribute.

Connie and Brenda were another connection that I took great pride in watching. They were best of friends in high school and watching them reconnect was really touching. It was like no time had passed between them although Brenda told me it had been lots of years since she had seen Connie. I was so impressed with Brenda’s support for Connie and the fallen tribute. Brenda knew Connie was in pain with her busted knee and I could tell she wanted to be there for her J

The most touching benefit for me in this whole thing has been the reconnections I have made with old high school friends and acquaintances Brenda Loy and Connie Elrod were not close friends of mine in high school I am sorry to say. I really missed out by not knowing them very well back then…BUT they are two of my favorite people now and worth hanging on to for the rest of my life J

If a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it. ~Edgar Watson Howe

David Hall

The Good Man

David Hall

True to his school spirit as always, David was always available and ready to help. Pulled in many directions by us girls he proved to be worth his weight in gold.

Everytime any of us needed help he was willing. I guess he was our jack of all trades. He proved to be handy with a hammer and helped Connie by building the wooden backdrop for the Fallen Soldier Tribute.

David is strong and tall so anything we could not reach or lift…who you gonna call? That’s right…

David and I have not been able to sit and talk in much detail about his life but I do know a few interesting things about the man he has grown into.

David is a family man and has spent his life supporting his son’s career in baseball. He told me that his son, Nate Hall, had just retired from a professional career with the Southern Illinois Miners and is now in pursuit of opening his own business.

David was proud and enthusiastic as he related to me how he and his wife had spent the last part of their lives following him on tours and listening to games on the radio.

Dave is retired… but is now spending his days, still in the support of his son, who has opened a sports training center to help train professional athletes. If you are interested in knowing more I will post the link here for the site I found. http://www.natehalltraining.com/

So…if you want to know what Dave Hall is doing with his time these days…it is simple. He is training professional athletes. Yep, he is… right alongside his son Nate.

I understand the business is growing by leaps and bounds. Guess I am giving the new business a “good pitch”, but there is absolutely no “pun….t”  intended. J

Thank you so much David for being there for us all.

That best portion of a good man's life; his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.
William Wordsworth

Gail Stooksbury Brown

The Southern Princess with Bling

Gail Stooksbury

Gail is our true southern belle.  With her cute southern accent and her southern traditional manners, she was the one responsible for just the “right touches” at the reunion. 

It was she who wanted the big golden traditional homecoming mum corsages with deep purple ribbon to be pinned to every ladies blouse.

 It was she who wanted to see the purple and gold splashed around every room and not in just a subtle way either, she insisted on “bling”.

 It was she who adorned the dining hall with elegance and southern charm. It was she who insisted that we lay out the best linen and silver trays.

Frankly, I just purely enjoyed watching her work her magic. I felt at times as though we were in a scene from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.” She was the princess and, I guess I was the frog. The frog who tried to keep her fancy ideas at bay to some extent. But in the end, she won out of course. Even though the reunion was advertised as “Casual”. Who is gonna tell a princess “no”, not me!

I absolutely loved everything she did and the way she did it, with so much southern charm. Made you want a buttermilk biscuit with momma’s homemade blackberry jam, just to watch her in action. Get the picture here?

Gail truly embodies for me that old southern charm that I love so much. She was dedicated to the little touches of elegance and hospitality that added the “bling” we needed to our reunion.

It just really would not have been half as fun without her and not nearly as southern without her “bling”.  I love you Gail, my sweet southern friend.

Thanks for the “Bling”

Southern Hospitality

Not a tangible thing, but an attitude which has been ingrained in Southerners forever.

It's a feeling of being sincerely welcomed as a guest or a long lost friend, a way of life that lets people be as warm as the climate.

It's an easiness in speech with total strangers or anyone, a unique friendliness encompassing the whole way of life in the deep South.

It' not something one does; it's the way one is.

Janice Daugherty Hall

A Positive Force

Janice Hall

Janice was one of the first of my classmate friends to tell me she would be willing to help me with anything for the reunion and soon became a positive force that kept me going with her example.

Here is a lady who just in the last few years as lost several family members, including her daughter. I had not had a conversation with Janice in many years and had no idea of the loss she had faced. I was so impressed with her kindness and concern for me as she reached out to try and help as much as possible.

As I learned that Janice lived alone and had faced so much loss, I wondered how she could remain so positive about life. It didn’t take long for me to come to an understanding of how she does it; how she can remain focused on the positive things in life.

The answer; she loves to support and help her friends. Janice has learned that caring about others helps her keep a positive perspective and balance in her life. What a great example she is.

She constantly seemed to be concerned that I was doing too much and worried for my energy level.

Janice was my shopping partner and helped me gather lots of odds and ends we needed for the reunion. The day of the reunion she worked with me all day long from beginning to end. I am not sure which of the two of us was the most tired when the whole thing was over. Thank you so much dear Janice for your support, concern and help. Love ya!

There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative. W. Clement Stone

Steve and Marsha Tichenor Lane 

“The Worker Bees”

Marsha & Steve Lane

It ever there were ever two who would just take you in as one of their own…it is Marsha and Steve Lane.

From the first moment I mentioned a reunion to them they were on board. They had all kinds of ideas and tips from past reunions to help me.
They knew who to talk with that had done this before and had some great strategy as to how to reach out and find everyone.

Marsha worked hard with Steve to contact as many classmates as they could. Tracking down leads for addresses and phone numbers. I know they called several people not just once but several times trying to get a commitment from them and find others.

Marsha was our advertisement specialist. She worked hard and was very creative with ideas on how to get the word out to everyone about the reunion.

I really depended on them big time for most of the phone calling and reaching out. I have no idea how many hours Marsha and Steve spent on the phone contacting old classmates. Well maybe a little idea. J

Steve loves to talk and is a great story teller. If he called you it was not just a 5 min conversation with him. He had to find out how you and your family were doing and then share some of his favorite stories with you.

To give you an idea of what I mean, Marsha said when Steve retired she had a wooden plaque made and hung in the kitchen. The plaque reads, “Warning…Enter At Your Own Risk. Retired man who loves to talk lives

here…And NOW has plenty of time to do it!”

Joking aside, the list of duties they both took on as their responsibilities for the reunion is amazing; Advertising, calling, reminding, hauling chairs and tables, Christmas lights and decorations, retrieving friends and giving rides to and from, setting up, hanging up, cleaning up, packing up and taking back. I could go on and on.

AND then they had the nerve to thank me! The reunion was pretty much a success due to the fact that they never stopped giving and doing.

They are both so adorable and loving. They make you feel like family. A gift I guess, that I was blessed to know, because they were part of my team. I am so proud to know them and love them.

Thanks to our little “worker bees”…Marsha and Steve…I love you both!

"The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand."
Vince Lombardi

Mike Parten

Our Front Man

Mike was another who was excited to have a reunion and willing to help with anything. The first time I called Mike he gave me his phone number and email and told me to call anytime. And that he would be glad to do anything he could to help.

And he didn’t let me down. He never ever questioned my motives when I asked him to take care of something for me. Like when I asked him to bring fire wood and matches to the reunion. That’s right, I did.  I told him to also find some long rods we could use to roast mash mellows on. His voice did not even break when he said, “ok, I can do that”.

Friends, he never even hesitated even though the temperature had been near 100 all week.  Just said he would be glad to. Then he offered to be part of the program with a little trivia game. And of course, I was happy to take him up on that.

Of course we did not use the fire wood, matches and marsh mellows…but not because it was too hot…although it was L

It rained big time and flooded the fire pit area. So… anyone for a marsh mellow roast this fall? I have everything we need. Just let me know J

Thanks Mike for putting up with my silly imaginings.

And thanks so much for the trivia…Mike is a natural in front of a crowd he had everyone laughing and calling out answers trying to win his candy bars and key chains. It really broke the ice and got everyone in a fun mood.

Thanks to our new Front Man - Mike who is funny with a “mic”.

“I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person.” Audrey Hepburn

Steve Thompkins Brackett

The Calm In The Storm

Steve Brackett

Steve was adopted into our reunion committee after he arrived early on Friday for the reunion. We felt we were so lucky to have him join us. We were getting ready for the set up the next day. And I learned a long time ago that the more hands the better. He just jumped right in with both feet and was so willing to do anything for us.  We had him loading and unloading chairs right away. He also helped with the set up and decorating as well as working in the kitchen. Nothing seemed beneath him. He was wonderful J

Steve has a very tender and giving heart. It was obvious by his constant smiles no matter what we asked of him, that he is a positive man. We were happy to adopt him in and were blessed by doing so.

After finding out that he is an ordained minister I quickly saw who would be giving my opening prayer and helping me with the names of the deceased at the reunion.

He did a great job and was an awesome support for me, as I have turned into a quite the cry baby in my old age. It was so nice to have him stand beside me and help me read each name, lending to me all the strength I needed to get through it.  Thank you “Sir”.

"When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others."
- Peace Pilgrim

Jayne Wheaton Jackson and Vickie Campbell Allen -

“The Volunteers”

Jerry Brown, Jayne Wheaton & Me

Jayne and Vickie were not part of the committee, but were two who had volunteered to help us the day of the reunion with the set up.

What can I say about and to these ladies to let you and them both know how much that meant to me and the rest of the committee. 

Jayne had promise me she would be there. She woke up that morning feeling very ill but came any way ready to help. Right away I could see she did not feel well and asked her why she came.  She told me it was because she had promised me. I just shook my head and smiled. I then asked her to please go home and get well so she could come back tonight…she shook her head “no”. She stayed…she worked hard…and then showed for the reunion that night. Wow…a promise was kept J

It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath. ~Aeschylus

jerry brown, genni crisp, brenda loy, connie elrod, steve brackett, fluttie goodman; back row - lonnie nelson, janice hall and dave hall

Vickie Campbell is another who got excited about the reunion when she saw my posting on Facebook. She right away started inviting all of her classmate friends and tried to help me with contact information and several leads.

When Vickie saw my request for hands to help set up on Saturday, she quickly volunteered. Not only did she help set up but came into the kitchen to work with Ginny Crisp and Janice Daugherty during the reunion. Thank you Vickie for going the extra mile.

No one ever attains very eminent success by simply doing what is required of him; it is the amount and excellence of what is over and above the required that determines the greatness of ultimate distinction.

Others who wanted to help…

There were countless others who walked into the Windmill Inn on July 14^th and looked around to see what they could do to help.

There are just some people in life who see beyond the surface. They are those who come to the rescue of the rest of us.

Libby Orange

Wynn Wilson & Donna Peck

Becky and Libby Orange saw we needed help with registration and stepped up to help.

Wynn Wilson saw I was too busy to take pictures, grabbed a camera and started snapping shots. So grateful cause lots of other folks, like me, that did not take pictures are asking me for photos.

Kind and thoughtful acts of support were everywhere and way too many to list. I am sure there were several who helped out that were not even noticed. Thanks to all who saw a need and jumped in to help us. J

Moments that just plain touched my heart

Carlene Wilson – Came through the front doors smiling and singing along to the music. The first thing I heard her say was, Wow…that makes me want to dance.”

She was just as cute and fun loving as ever. She made me smile all night with her laughter, giggles and silliness. I am sure she had a good time and everyone around her did as well. When the rest of us were out of energy and just trying to clean up a bit…Carlene was up front still dancing to the music. Talk about ‘young at heart’. She was inspiring. I just hope everyone had half the fun that she seemed to be having. J

Garry Kreis -  I had asked Garry to talk a little about sports memories from High School. I loved how he used his talk to pay tribute to all of his team mates, football and basketball. He told everyone that his high school friends were the ones that had meant the most to him throughout his life. Great job Garry. Very touching and uplifting talk.

My son, Bobby Bosley was our DJ and MC. He did a wonderful job. I was so proud that so many were complimenting me about his personality and the job he was doing. Having his support was just what I needed to help me get over my hostess jitters. I love you Bobby.

Mr. Cole – standing in line looked just like a student. He walked up to the registration desk and handed me his $12. I asked what year he graduated and he smiled and said what year do you think?  I said well what is your name? He then said guess…everyone standing around the registration table by then heard what was going on and it wasn’t very long before someone guessed Mr. Cole? He is the same happy and positive young man he was when we knew him years ago. In fact he is staying the same and we are catching him. He did not look any older than some classmates standing in line. It was so fun to have him there.

Mrs. Clark – Sweet little Mrs. Clark came in with a walker and her beautiful smile. Still just as sweet and friendly as ever, she was always more like a friend than a teacher.

When you are the Hostess – Socializing goes out the window

I only got to sit down and visit, but with just a couple of old friends. This was the down side of being the hostess. L There were some I wanted to sit and visit with but when the buck stops with you th

there was just no time to visit.

The other disappointment for me was some that I dearly wanted to see did not show up.

I did, however, get to sit beside my best high school friends for just a few minutes. Long enough to share some stories, smiles, pictures and learn something that really touched my heart about one of them.

Cont…Moments that just plain touched my heart

Merleene Gossett King

Beauty Inside and Out

brenda carter, merleene gossett, me and diane henley

There were a few who walked through the doors whom I can most sincerely say have improved with age. But none any more so than Merleene, who is absolutely more beautiful than ever.

As I sat and listen to her talk about her Dad, and her family I watched her expression and countenance and then realized why Merleene was more beautiful than ever.

It was not that life has been easy on her, no, because she certainly has faced her share of trials and challenges. No, it is because she has somehow been able to stay focused on the real purpose of life in spite of her trials.

She has become beautiful on the inside and the outside is a reflection of that beauty. What a special and sweet lady she has become. Her eyes shine and she smiles all the time. I was extremely impressed and very touched by her beautiful spirit.

Some I recognized right away….to me, they just looked like I remembered them…

Marion Colston

Brenda Carter

Brenda Gaylor

Kenneth Justice

Lynda Smith

Wynn Wilson

Phyllis Gilford

Diane Ruffner

Helen Taylor

Ricky Gilmore

Libby Orange…just to name a few

As you can tell here, I could go on and on

There is no end to the positive experiences I have had because I decided to host this reunion.

I started writing this in hopes of understanding were all the emotion I was feeling about the reunion was coming from. If you are still reading… then I think we have discovered together why…

In light of all the wonderful connections and tender experiences I have had by working on this reunion … it is no wonder I cried the morning after it was all over.

Sometimes life gives us opportunities to learn who we are and what really matters in life from the least expected places and ways AND people.

So THANK YOU for touching my heart and making a big difference in my life.

Least Expected...
Just when you least expect it:
a flower blooms...
you meet someone special...you find a solution...
the sun melts the ice...
a door opens...
you hear from an old friend...
progress is made...
a prayer is answered...
a problem is resolved...
something moves you...
something inspires you...
someone touches your life...
a dream comes true.
Never lose hope!
Life is full of many…just when you least expect it.