Husky
Classmates,
|
January ~ 2003
|
This
letter greets you, not from the "cheering section", but right from
the "playing field", or "battle field", where most of us
have spent our lives in marriage, divorce, earning a living, declining or
accelerating on the chart of life, experiencing health problems, and so on. Not
one of us has not been affected in someway.
In
the Steering Committee alone, each one has a history: Jerry Jackson, our Reunion Chairman, experienced a liver
transplant nearly six years ago. In spite of Jerry's doctors saying
"no", his wife, Carol. said "YES!" Put him on the
"transplant list". Thanks to a then eleven-year-old boy, Jerry was
given back his life. He's right back to being on the "mischief list".
Not only is he the Grand Pooh Bah of the Reunion, but frequently is a spokesman
for 'The Gift of Life", a donor program, such as the one which saved his
life. Carol has remained a supportive "nurse-spouse".
Nancy
Nathanson Farris has experienced many tests for suspected cancer, but
thankfully, has been proven negative. Her husband, Red, has cleared his doctors
shelves of heart bypass equipment, which has ended up inside of him. (If you
look closely, you might even see the outline of an MRI machine!) But Red remains a trouper, and laughs at
life.
Jerry
Bruce has had surgery recently for cancer, which saved his life. He is doing
well, as is his wife. Judy. Both are looking great, and "tripping the
light fantastic".
My
husband. Bill, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1961, the second year
of our marriage. We had one baby, one on the way. Once diagnosed, the
television studio for whom Bill worked, decided that he was an insurance risk,
and he was let go. After two years of unemployment, he was hired at another
television studio where he worked for fifteen years until the MS debilitated
him to the point where it was best for him to "retire". I became his
nurse early on, and have remained so. We are also on the list of survivors and
managers.
That is just
the Steering Committee.
As we have
matured, we have all changed. Some of what was important to us during our high
school years seems frivolous now, but was important then. Many felt the need to
be a part of "something", so they turned to clubs, Student Council,
Merit organizations, social activities, sports, or some other function. Others
felt aloof from these sorts of activities for a number of reasons--lack of
parental support, lack of finances, shyness, disinterest--and a host of other
reasons.
Some
of those who had truly miserable lives during childhood, rather than continue
to suppress their trauma, have learned to surpass it, and have shaped their
lives successfully. They now feel it valuable to let others know that survival
is possible, as long as one has life. The saddest statement to be made is that since
plans for the Reunion began, several Classmates who had looked forward to
attending, have died. This brings us to the question of why some who have
the opportunity to attend this unique celebration, are reluctant to do so?
As
we continue to learn, earn, change, and benefit, we realize that every single
one of our classmates has made valuable differences in someone's life. These
opportunities are endless, as long as we recognize them.
What
is the point of all of this?
Those
who have responded in some way to the 1954 NHHS Fifty Year Class Reunion have
faced a reality check. To paraphrase Barbara (Nelson) and Bob Mahoney, it is
encouraging to find that so many graduates have shown an interest in reuniting
with their classmates. Whether we have placed our personal histories on the
table or not, is beside the point. What is most significant is that there is a
revived excitement of worth in celebrating our Fiftieth Year, putting all else
aside for an evening, and possibly a few days. Think about it.
Your
Friend, Classmate, and Reunion Secretary
~~~Barbara
(Gillette) Celello ~~~