The Times of Our Lives: Fall 2008 ... Turn! Turn! Turn! ... and The Color of Ugly....

Autumn Leaves, painting by John Everett Millais (1856)

To everything there is a season,
a time for every purpose under the sun.

Nicki and I have written recently of the transition of Summer into Fall, our favorite season. It has indeed been a glorious Fall (at least weather-wise) so far ... beautiful, bright cooler days, the beginnings of changes in the color of leaves, the low insistent sense of urgency that things should be completed and brought to order before the onset of cold, dark winter. And I have found myself pondering the meaning and import of those words from Ecclesiastes (set to music by Pete Seeger in the 1950s as the song Turn! Turn! Turn! and made popular by the Byrds in October 1965).

I last published a post on the blog on September 22, at the advent of autumn and amid the building excitement for the Class of 1963 (and All-School) Reunion in Childress October 3-5. Some might think it strange that I've gone so long between scribblings ... see, I do occasionally shut up!!! (grin) ... but various considerations have kept me from writing again until now. So to catch up on some of the events and thoughts which have occurred between that post and this one....

A time to be born and a time to die; ...
a time to kill and a time to heal ...

Not the least of my recent considerations has been Yahn's health, which has not been the best lately, and which of course prevented my attending the much-anticipated reunion. In addition to his problems with breathing ... COPD, asthma, etc. (apparently also suffered by our recently deceased classmate Reed Lockhoof) ... we have been confronted with some loss (we hope temporary) of Yahn's cognitive abilities ... a very scary situation, and one of particular concern for those in our age group.

In addressing these problems, Yahn's doctor first took him off some of his medications which may be causative of memory loss. The first to go was Ambien, prescribed to help him sleep; the second was hydrocodone, a strong pain killer, which helped alleviate his discomfort from arthritis and restless leg syndrome; then Lipitor (as we have learned in our research, all of the statin drugs given to regulate cholesterol can cause cognitive difficulties). And, while I must say that some of his cognition has returned, there are still lapses of memory ... the largest one recently being that he completely forgot our last appointment with his doctor ... had no memory of it at all, even though she took more than an hour with us. This week the doctor has ordered an MRI and an MRA to see if there are indices of (the dreaded word) Alzheimer's, or possibly past mini-strokes, sufficient to disrupt his thought processes but otherwise without outward signs.

I know there are some who fear to have such tests ... or tests for breast or colon or other cancers, or for other potentially life-threatening or -altering conditions ... but I have always believed in the old saying that "forewarned is forearmed." If we find the worst as a result of these tests ... at least we will know and can prepare. There are treatments and therapies which can alleviate or delay the progression of many diseases.

If the tests do not indicate Alzheimer's or mini-strokes, then we can proceed with trying to identify and isolate the cause of the problems ... but we will know that we need not concern ourselves with those particular fears ... at least not at this juncture. And knowledge is among the most important weapons ... if not the most important weapon ... that any of us can possess.

Please ... take care of your health ... physical and mental. See your doctor regularly ... have necessary diagnostic tests ... eat right and exercise ... stay involved in life ... keep reading and learning. Do it for yourselves and for your loved ones. You are important ... and we want to see you at the next reunion!!!

Since I last wrote, Paul Newman, actor and philanthropist, succumbed to cancer at age 83 ... and with his passing we lost another icon of our youth. While it was our dear Joby (JoAnn Neel Lathram) who had the killer crush on Newman when we were at CHS, I daresay most of us (male and female) saw a number (if not all) of Newman's films and were moved by them to one degree or another. Just yesterday, while Turner Classic Movies was doing an all-day tribute to Newman, I watched Exodus (again) ... crying a good deal of the way through it, of course. While it was certainly not Newman's best film (nor was it as good a film as it might have been), the "connection" I have had since high school with the book, the song, the movie is still alive and strong. Newman was not only a true giant of the silver screen, he also stood tall in his personal life, and dedicated a good deal of his time and effort in later years (along with all of his profits from his "Newman's Own" line of products) to charitable endeavors, seeking to make the world a better place. It is a pity there are not more like him.



Falling Autumn Leaves, painting by Vincent Van Gogh (1888)

a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance ...

I was thrilled to see the pictures from the reunion ... thanks to the pooled efforts of Nicki, Driscilla and Clara ... and to read Nicki's posts on both our class dinner at K-Bob's and the All-School Reunion. (If you haven't yet checked out Nicki's slide show on the Show and Tell blog, don't miss it!) I marveled as I saw each different face, and I lingered over the pictures for a long time, savoring memories from CHS, but also recalling the updates Nicki and I have received from so many during this past year.

I have been privileged to see some of those who attended the reunion "up close and personal" in recent years ... dear Joe Don (at the Wimberley Weekend in October 2001, and twice in 2002), Jack Petty (the last time I saw Jack, in May 2002, we engaged in an a capella impromptu duet of our "official" class song Sooner or Later), Mike Spradley (and his sweet wife Ada, also at Wimberley, and since), Doug Greer (at the time of Paula's funeral in May 2002), Jim/Willie, Don Meek (Class of 1960) ... of course my beloved sister-women Raenell and Joby and Shirley and Nicki and Clara.

The pictures of those I haven't seen in many years were true revelations and delights. Don Morgan and Kay Eatherly Whitten seem definitely deserving of the appellation "Forever Young" ... and how wonderful to see Sharon Molloy Kelley and her Ray (Class of 1961), and Driscilla, and Bettye Shahan Bagley and Max McClendon.

I got such a rush of wonderful memories thinking about how Max's mother "Sis" and my grandmother were BFFs ... on the golf course and around the bridge table and at church. Jettie Hicks Huff and Bobby still make a great looking couple ... and I couldn't help but remember how Jettie was one of my mother's favorite students when mother taught at the Community Center school for a while. It was also great to see John Steed, my old Sunday School buddy, and J.R. Bell and his talented wife Jan, and Beth McKee Gore and Gayle Whitten.

Even though they didn't attend the reunion in Childress, I want to acknowledge that I have been immeasurably blessed over the years with continuing contacts with so many friends like Linda Kay and Lynn and Pat and Linda Sally and Sheila. And the mini-reunion with Phil Tutor and Joe Warren (who did make it to Childress) and others in April was delightful.

Nicki tells me that she's had e-mails from some who did not attend this reunion, indicating that they are definitely interested in attending the next reunion ... oy vey! Folks, I think Nicki and I, and Joe, are all willing ... but if we are to plan such a thing (possibly for our 50th?) we would certainly like some input from as many of you as possible as to when, where, etc., which we would anticipate might ensure a better turn-out. It occurs that perhaps a reunion not in conjunction with the All-School Reunion in Childress might be better for planning time for all of us to visit with each other. We've also speculated that it might be nice to hold a reunion somewhere other than Childress ... someplace in Texas (home to most of us, I believe) like Dallas, or Austin, or San Antonio, or even Amarillo or Lubbock. Of course, right now all of this is in the realm of conjecture ... but we are still interested in any thoughts you may have on the subject ... and volunteers to work on a future reunion are sought and gratefully accepted.



Leaves in autumn

a time to keep silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.

The past few weeks since my last post have also witnessed some scary history in the making for ourselves and our country ... the roller-coaster of the financial markets, the largest plunge in stocks since the Great Depression, the heart-breaking foreclosures, the Presidential campaign which looms so large amid all the trauma and tribulation and fear. Whoever is chosen by we the people to lead our country in the next few years must bear a great burden in trying to get our society, with all its diverse population, back to times of prosperity and hope for the future ... with a shared sense that we are all in this together and that we will likely accomplish more by working together, rather than dividing into armed camps.

It seems that for the past few election cycles there has been talk of that particular election being the most important in years ... but I feel that it may actually be true in this instance. I so hope you have all registered to vote ... and that you will exercise your right and obligation to do so on or before November 4. This is no time for fence-sitters ... nor for people who in a fit of pique choose to "throw away" (yes, I said "throw away" for that is what it amounts to) their votes on some specious, questionable, inarguably doomed third-party candidate.

But when you vote ... however you vote ... please make certain that your vote is based on actual issues, not fear or hate-mongering or mindless bigotry. Frankly we should all be waaay more concerned by the poisonous color of "ugly" than by any other "colorful" considerations....

Fall is assuredly a time for recollection and reflection ... the season to take stock of the things we have done, the things we should have done, and the things we wish we had done ... to plan and dream and hope for the future. And yes, the future still beckons. Abraham Lincoln said "The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time." There is a lot of life and living in the days (each and every one of them) ahead for the Class of 1963 ... and it is up to each of us to determine how we will live those days ... whether we will look back on them fondly and cherish the memories ... or view them with telescopic regret at lost opportunities and dreams denied.

It is in our power to determine whether we will inhabit a feral, darkling tangled garden haunted by shades and shadows and sorrow's sighs, or whether we choose to walk in light and love and eager anticipation of the days that remain to us. For me, the choice is easy ... and clear. I hope it is for all of you.

)O(

Picture It....CHS Class of 1963

New Photos Have Been Added!

Thanks to Clara Robinson Meek

Let Them Eat Cake

Picture It: A small town at the edge of the Texas Panhandle with an exceptionally busy highway running through it. All day trucks, cars, and other vehicles filled the streets. As late afternoon approached, the parking lot of a popular local restaurant became especially busy with cars vying for parking spaces. After a quick check in the mirror the passengers of the cars headed toward the door of the restaurant. Upon entering it was obvious that the establishment was filled with groups of people in all areas of the rooms. KBobs had taken on a new appearance for the evening with a separated room that had been created with slide out walls near the back and a sign that read “Class of 1963.” A bit tentatively the arriving individuals from the CHS Class of 1963 walked to the door of the room not quite knowing what to expect. Inside, the room tables were lined with small orange pumpkins decorated with blue and white feathers and painted with “CHS ‘63” instead of jack-‘o-lantern grins. Name tags bearing photos from the 1963 Bobcat yearbook along with the names of the class members were given to each person. On a small table in the room two decorated cakes were waiting to be eaten as the dessert for the evening. However, no one took notice of the decorations or the cakes. Instead the room was filled with welcoming smiles and cries of greeting as each person entered the room to be met with hugs. The first 30 minutes of this 45th reunion of the CHS Class of ’63 was spent, talking, laughing, and greeting. A stranger looking in the room might have seen a noisy group of “older” people, many having sliver or gray hair and some wrinkles, but to the group inside the room these strangers had been transformed into much younger men and women from a time long past but easily recognized by their eyes or long remembered smiles. No one managed to stay unrecognized for long.

Finally with a lot of urging from Joe Hopkins, the ongoing MC for the class reunions, everyone found a place at the tables and the reunion was officially in session. What followed was an evening of fun, sharing, and good food.

l to r John Steed, Don Meek, Jettie Huff, Bobby Huff

Bobby Huff and his wife Jettie(hopefully photos to follow) arrived from Houston where they have lived since 1976. Bob is a First Vice President – Investments, Wealth Management Advisor at Merrell Lynch. His degree from NT was in Accounting and he did work for Halliburton (8 yrs) as an Accountant, but his job at ML has not been in Accounting. Hard to keep it all straight They are looking forward to retirement and they plan to buy an RV and travel to cooler places. They have Sasha who is their only child. They are proud grandparents of 2 boys ages 5 and 7. It means a great deal to the Class of '63 that Bobby and Jettie came to share the evening!

Reading the Top Ten Reasons Why People were Unable to attend the Reunion
l to r Gayle Whitten, Kay Whitten, Bob Huff, Anne Hopkins

Don and Clara Meek

Clara Robinson Meek and her husband Don Meek live in Boerne, Texas after having lived in Denver and San Antonio. Both Clara and Don are retired--Clara from teaching and Don from his business in San Antonio. They have one daughter, Terrell, who lives in Washington State. They love their home in Boerne where Clara has a small studio for her art, and they love to travel. Clara and Don are wonderful to spend time with!

John Steed standing, Jim Encke, Bettye Bagley

John David Steed, whose wife Christina was unable to attend, shared his memories of working in the AG's office and his memories of Reed Lockhoof during that time. John and Christina live in Arlington while construction continues on their new home in Ft. Worth. John, everyone was so happy to see you. It would be wonderful to hear more of your stories!

l to r Don Meek, Bettye Bagley, Jettie Huff

Bettye Shahan Bagley and Jim Encke

Bettye Shahan Bagley, who was accompanied by friend Jim Encke, retired at the end of the school year after 37 years of teaching. Bettye remembered teaching in Childress the first year of her career and later teaching in Germany where she enjoyed the opportunities it gave her to travel around Europe before returning to Abilene where she lives today. Bettye has two sons. It would be great to see Bettye more often!

Jack Petty

Jack Petty and his wife Becky are residents of Childress where Jack conducts the BootCamp program for the Roach Unit working with young offenders at the prison. After high school Jack joined the army expecting to see the world. He spent the entire 3 ½ years stationed at the air base in Amarillo and was one of the last to leave as the air base was closed. Jack and Becky share 10 grandchildren. Additionally he enjoys playing golf and occasionally still plays his music. Spending time with Jack at the reunion, Dawson's and the golf course was so much fun.

Jack and Becky Petty

l to r Bobby Huff, Jack Petty, Sandra Warren (Joe), Billye Hopkins Morgan

Shirley Neel Cromartie lives in Quanah. Last year Shirley suffered the loss of her husband George after a long illness only two days after their home burned. She described the year as really difficult and it was only with the help of friends of family that she has managed to rebuild her home and her life. Shirley still has a delightful sense of humor and a wonderful zest for life. Shirley has one daughter and two grandchildren. Hopefully Shirley will have a much better year and hopefully we will see her again soon.

L to R Sharon, Doug, Shirley

l to r Ray Kelley, Sharon Kelley, Doug Greer, Shirley Cromartie

Doug Greer has retired after working for AT&T for 30 years. He recounted his four years spent in the Navy after high school when he served in Ethiopia. Doug and his wife live in Graham where Doug lives on a lake and spends much of his time fishing, golfing and enjoying life. However, he assures us that his wife keeps him plenty busy so it isn’t all fun and games. Doug has 2 step-daughters. It was so much fun to become re-acquainted with Doug after such a long time.

Sharon Molloy Kelley and husband, Ray Kelley of the CHS Class of 1961 currently live in Midland. Previously, Sharon had shared the wonderful story of her life and marriage to Ray on the blog (Sharon Molloy Kelley), but it was a pleasure to see Sharon and her wonderful smile.

JoAnn shares her story!

JoAnn Neel Lathram lives in McKinney sharing a home with her son and family. JoAnn laughingly told how she had at one time moved to San Angelo to be with her children and their families only to have them move away. Today she works at Plano Presbyterian Hospital and plans to retire soon. JoAnn seems to be enjoying her life and she delighted everyone with her comments and great sense of humor.

l to r Jim Smith, Raenell, JoAnn, Ray Kelley

Raenell Wynn Smith and husband Jim live in Childress and continue to live there because “they like it.” Raenell works for the Childress hospital and is looking forward to retiring in a couple of years. Jim will be retiring very soon. Raenell states that she plans to retire a year after Jim so he can have time to get all the projects and work at home done before she has to. They enjoy traveling whenever possible. Previously Raenell shared her story on the blog, Raenell Wynn Smith. At the reunion, Raenell was awarded the "These Boots Are Made For Walking" certificate for being the person coming the shortest distance to the reunion. It is always wonderful to see Raenell and Jim.

l to r Jan Bell, Max McClendon, Raenell Smith

Max McClendon accompanied by his wife Jane attended the reunion for the very first time so for most everyone this was the first time to see Max since graduation in 1963. Currently Max is the preacher at the Church of Christ in Shamrock. Prior to that he had served in many places, notably in Seattle for many years. While they loved living there, they returned to Texas and Shamrock to be near Jane’s parents. It was wonderful to see Max after such a long time. It is obvious that he is a kind and caring person with a good sense of humor and a great voice that should serve him very well in his church. Hopefully this won't be the last reunion for Max and Jane.

Max McClendon

J.R. Bell and Jan Bell

J.R. and Jan Bell

J.R. Bell and wife, Jan came to the reunion from Amarillo where they have lived for many years. J.R. retired after 28 years of working for the USDA. He currently does consulting with Dupont which leaves him plenty of time to pursue hunting and projects at his home. J.R. and Jan have two grown children. As a side, Jan (Hudlow) graduated from Estelline High School. Jan is an extremely gifted artist. It was so good to have them share the evening with us for the reunion


Beth McKee Gore and Ray Kelley

Beth McKee Gore and Driscilla Dehtan Storrs

Beth McKee Gore currently lives in Lubbock where she has lived for many years. Beth lost her husband to a brain tumor very early in their marriage. Today she works for an orthodontics supply company. Beth shared that even though she doesn’t have children or grandchildren, she has three adopted families who serve as her extended family. Beth still has two brothers in Childress. Beth has a wonderful smile and a gentle spirit. It was wonderful to see her after such a long time.

Driscilla and Robert Storrs (Photo from Celebrating the Journey)

Earlier, Driscilla (Dethan) and Robert Storrs shared much of their story on the blog in the post Celebrating the Journey: The Power of Love: Driscilla and Robert Storrs. Having them at the reunion was an added bonus. They absolutely fit the description of being truly nice people. Currently they live in Lubbock and have for many years. At this time Driscilla works for Texas Tech Health Science Services transcribing medical records for pediatrics. Thankfully, Driscilla has provided many of the photos for the reunion. Unfortunately we don’t have one of her and Robert. Hopefully we will receive one soon from others taking photos at KBobs. At the reunion Driscilla was recognized with a virtual award for “Once a Bobcat, Always a Bobcat.” Despite having left Childress as a sophomore she has continued to return to Childress at every opportunity for reunions. She assures everyone that CHS people are her favorite classmates.
l to r Robert Storrs, Don Morgan, Driscilla Storrs, Jim Smith, Max McClendon

Gayle and Kay Whitten (Forever Young)

Kay Eatherly Whitten and Gayle Whitten have previously shared their stories with everyone in a post for the blog. Celebrating the Journey: The Power of Love: Kay and Gayle Whitten Kay taught school in Lubbock before retiring. Additionally she took time out to be a stay at home mom for her children. After teaching school, Gayle started his own business as a paint contractor. They love traveling, spending time with the grandchildren and look forward to mission ministries in their retirement. During the reunion Kay was awarded the “Forever Young” certificate for the least change in appearance since high school for a female. Congratulations, Kay! It was so nice to have you both at the reunion.

Ada and Mike Spradley share a pensive moment.

Mike Spradley and wife Ada came all the way from Houston for the reunion which earned them the “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” Award for having come the longest distance for the reunion. It was so wonderful to see them and to see Mike looking extraordinarily well since his long bout with cancer and chemotherapy. Over the past year Mike has entertained the blog readers with his great stories and comments as well as his cartoons. As expected he entertained everyone with his gifted storytelling skills, recounting his travels and experiences working with oil drilling companies in the far reaches of the world. During this time he credits Ada with raising their great kids when he was unable to be there. Mike was also recognized for “Once a Bobcat; Always a Bobcat” because he too left Childress before he graduated and yet he continues to be a part of the Class of 1963 even after graduating from Monterrey High School. It was so nice to have them at the reunion.

Ada and Mike Spradley

Coach Joe Warren and his wife Sandra came to the reunion from Dallas. Joe shared his coaching career with everyone and mentioned that his brief time at Childress HS was the best time of his coaching. Because of this and his continued communication with members of the class of 1963, he was awarded a virtual certificate "Once a Bobcat; Always a Bobcat". It meant a great deal to everyone that Joe and Sandra took the time to come for the reunion! We also think Sandra should receive a "good sport" award.

l to r Jack Petty, Sandra Warren (Joe) Billye Hopkins Morgan, Don Morgan, Jim Wilcoxson

Don Morgan (Forever Young)

Don Morgan and his wife Billye Hopkins Morgan have made their home in Childress where Don is a farmer. Right after high school Don attended Tarleton in hopes of becoming a vet, but he ended up in the Air Force as a pilot and then on to Childress to farm. Don and Billye have two sons, Derrick and Jeff, and no grandchildren. Derrick is the oldest, married and lives in Denton and works for UNT. Jeff lives in Fort Collins CO. and is in construction and also works as a guide for Elk hunters. Both were born while Don was an officer in the Air Force. At the reunion Don was voted to receive the “Forever Young” award for the male classmate who has changed the least in appearance since high school. Congratulations Don! Having you guys at the reunion was so much fun.

Jim and Nicki Wilcoxson

Nicki and Jim Wilcoxson came from Amarillo for the reunion. After 40 years of living in Amarillo, they call it home. In previous posts on the blog, they have shared most of their story. Nicki Sooter Wilcoxson and Jim Wilcoxson Today they are still learning to adjust to retirement and to learn who they are and what their role is for this season of their lives. They continue to be actively involved in the lives of their grandchildren-Jordie age 13 and Cole age 8. Life is good.

MC Joe Hopkins and Anne Hopkins

Joe and Anne Hopkins Ada Spradley

Joe and Anne Hopkins came from their home in Cedar Park (Austin) for the reunion. They moved from Michigan to Cedar Park several months ago. This move has made it possible for him to be nearer his two daughters who live in the Austin and Boerne areas. Three beautiful grandchildren, all with red hair, are the newest members of the family. Joe and Anne have been fortunate to have lived in and visited many wonderful places including twice in Australia. The Class of 1963 has been fortunate to have Joe not only in high school but in the 45 years since. Through Joe’s efforts many of our class members have been able to stay in touch with one another over the years. For this reason and many others he was give an award at the reunion, “The Golden Thread” because he has been the “thread” that has held us together since graduation. Thanks, Joe! Anne, it was wonderful to meet you and spend a little time getting acquainted at the reunion. You are a good sport! Previously, Joe shared more of his story on the blog at Joe D Hopkins

That's the way it was on October 3, 2008 in Childress, Texas! Picture It!

There will be more photos posted as they are shared with me.

A special thank you to Marilyn Havens and her KBobs staff for making everything so special for us!!!

Reed Lockhoof

It is with much sadness that we have learned of the death of our friend and former classmate Reed Lockhoof. The wonderful obituary that follows is taken from the
Austin American-Statesman where you can go to View/Sign Guest Book .

W. Reed Lockhoof
W. Reed Lockhoof W. Reed Lockhoof, born October 3, 1945, passed away suddenly Saturday, September 27, 2008. He loved life and all it had to offer. His philosophy of life was based on the simple golden rule: "treat others as you would like to be treated" and put your family above and before all else. That will make you a winner in God's eyes. Reed was the absolute best friend of and for his wife, Nancy, and son, Flip. He was best man at his son's wedding and best 'Reed' for his grandchildren. We will intensely miss him until we reunite again. Only time, friends and God can help them survive the pain. Reed was an avid golfer, and in his younger, healthier days, there was never a day too cold or too hot, too windy or too still for golf. Golf and its required tenacity were his mistresses... and often those golfing days were spent with family, friends, and/or associates. Reed and his son became partners and played as golf partners in over a 150 golf tournaments throughout the state. Nancy would generally go along, walk every step of the way and have her walk with nature and communion with God along with husband, Reed and son, Flip. Reed's love for the law was second only to his love for golf and his family. Reed and Nancy shared endless love for each other and their family. His devotion and dedication to his wife, son and daughter-in-law, and grandchildren made him the most wonderful and caring husband, father and grandfather that this world has known. All who knew Reed will remember him for this... and his hearty laughter. Reed was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Darlein Lockhoof of Childress, TX. He is survived by one son, Filip Reed Lockhoof; daughter-in-law, Michelle Felger Lockhoof and granddaughter, Taylor Lockhoof; and grandson, Shane Lockhoof. Reed was an only child; his mother was an only child, and her mother was an only child. Although Nancy has already lost her mother and father, older brother and older sister, her one remaining sister, Diane Harris, from Scottsdale, brother Spencer and his wife, Sharon Ford from Hamlin, TX, Milton and Jodi Reed from Lubbock, along with aunts and uncles are helping her and Flip survive the immediate pain. Reed graduated from Childress High, Childress, TX. He received his BS from the University of North Texas and his J.D. from Texas Tech University. As an attorney he was always on the side of the law, from the District Attorney's office to the Attorney General's office. Being one of the best trial lawyers in the state, the courtroom became his friend, and the judge and jury became his audience. Flip, his only son, once heard his mother say that Reed is the most ethical lawyer she has ever known. Reed's life was cut short by his chronic asthma, COPD, and disabling arthritis. Memorial services will be held at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 3525 Bee Cave Rd., Thursday, October 2, at 1:30 p.m. with family visitation and reception following the services. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Lung Association, 'First Tee of Greater Austin' or charity of your choice. "Treating others as you want to be treated" was truly his golden rule.


Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 09/30/2008

Long Year's Journey to Reunion ... Regrets (I've Had a Few) ... and 千里之行，始于足下 ...

Prom memories (from the movie Carrie, reproduced here citing "fair use" provisions of U.S. copyright law)

... or as my old friend Laozi said, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step (to borrow a title which I liked from the original Las Vegas reunion blog). Actually, a more correct translation from the original Chinese would be "The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one's feet." Unfortunately, my Chinese is not sufficient to add (in brush-stroked characters) that any journey actually begins with the desire to embark upon it.... What comes after that goes under the heading of "means to end"....

[Sidebar: There are some who credit the "journey of a thousand miles" quote to Laozi's contemporary Confucius; however, my research seems to point indeed toward Laozi, a/k/a Lao Tzu, the "Old Master" instrumental in the establishment of, and revered by, the Taoist religion. But I digress....]

In two weeks a number (literally) of the Class of 1963 will gather again in Childress for its 45th reunion. At last headcount, there were approximately 20-25 of our classmates (our actual classmates ... not counting spouses and/or significant others who will accompany them) who indicated that either they will be there or might be there ... a little exercise in legal terminology illustrating (if you think about it) why it is so important to be cognizant of (and precise in) the meanings of the words you use ... and in your interpretation of words directed to or concerning you. Interestingly, the number of those who say they will or may attend is about the same as the number of those who were committed (to one degree or another) to attending the reunion if it had been held in Las Vegas, as it was originally conceived.

Nicki and I have been disappointed that even though we moved the reunion to Childress, partially in hopes that it would result in a larger turnout, the number remains essentially unchanged. There are some names common to both sign-up lists ... although some few have indicated that while they would attend a reunion in either Las Vegas or Childress, they would not travel to the other place for whatever reason. Some have said that the weekend of October 17-19 (as originally planned) would have been fine ... but there is some problem with the weekend of October 3-5 (designated by the Childress All-School Reunion Committee). Nicki and I have talked on more than one occasion about how little response we have had from those who actually live in Childress, or within a few miles thereof. So, truly immutable or unforeseen circumstances notwithstanding (and there are always some) ... the bottom line is that for the most part, those who want to be there will have found a way to manage it ... and those who don't, won't.



Laozi leaves China on his water buffalo.

Most of those who've said they are not coming have indicated some other pressing engagement. Some are apparently afraid they may be confronted with an idea or ideology with which they don't agree. And some have also said that they don't want to come because they don't much care to revisit those high school days when we all were so young, and insecure, and needy and/or desirous of approval and acceptance (even some of those we considered the popular cool people who comprised the top of the social food chain) ... or who feel they may be ignored and left to sit by themselves at a table in K-Bob's or the Elks Club. It is worth noting a bit of wisdom expressed by Bertrand Russell, who sagaciously wrote: Collective fear stimulates herd instinct, and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd. Sad to think that some still feel that fear 45 years later on the long road out of Childress (with a nod to the Eagles).

I've written previously on the blog that not all my memories from high school are happy ones. And yet, over the nearly half-century since May 1963, as I've learned and grown and pondered and embraced my still-evolving spiritual beliefs, learned to listen to the vibrations and the resonances, I have found great benefit (and balm) in being able to put the bad things into perspective ... to acknowledge the immaturity and the sometimes mindless, contagious wolf-pack cruelty common to those adolescent years ... to come to grips with the fact that some of my own actions were causal catalysts ... to understand the unthinking, uncaring and occasionally vicious attitudes of some, and to apprehend that some went along not because of meanness or indifference on their parts, but because they themselves were afraid to go against the herd ... to recognize and regret those instances when I was less than charitable to another wandering, groping soul ... and to forgive not only those people who hurt me, through acts of commission or omission, but also to forgive myself for all the things I did wrong.

I have learned that sometimes bad things happen to us for necessary reasons ... that even if the events are painful, they are meant to (and do, if we are wise) teach us life lessons that we must learn before we can successfully traverse the terra incognita between the lives ... that we must transcend before we can ascend. Understanding and forgiveness are among the most important of life's lessons, I believe ... and I don't think one can achieve forgiveness (of oneself or of others) until one has become a frequent flier (with reward miles!) in the realms of understanding and regret and empathy.

Since I got over myself ... stopped nursing old hurts both real and imaginary, or sometimes just inflated by the hot air of adolescent angst ... refused the mantle of the victim ... started contemplating and comprehending that some of those who hurt me may have done so because they in fact were in mortal pain from their own demons ... I have found a "new" world of fond memories ... memories to be cherished and cultivated ... memories to drive away the dark nights and the dark hours and the dark thoughts and strip the curtains from the metaphoric windows of the mind to allow the light to nourish and quicken the dormant soil and quiescent flowers of my soul.

On occasion I have been tempted to regret that I did not reach this "enlightenment" sooner, that I let so much time elapse ... but then I know, with a complete, deep certainty ... that I learned (and am still learning) this life's lessons when I was supposed to ... that subject to my own choices and the choices of others, things happened as they were supposed to happen, as they had to happen ... that I was incapable of absorbing the lessons before I did and could not have learned many of them without the accompanying pain ... and that rather than regret not learning sooner, I should rejoice that I learned at all ... that it was not too late when knowledge came, too far along in this existence to become applicable. I have been blessed by that knowledge ... and by the new "old" friends I have found, and the old "old" friends I have rediscovered ... and I still anticipate reunion with those with whom I may yet "reconnect".


A Taijitu, the main symbol of the Taoist spirituality.

I don't know whether you were the teacher's pet or the class goat ... the homecoming queen or the prom king ... maybe one of those like Janis Ian, who "learned the truth" At Seventeen and "knew the pain of Valentines that never came" ... wore a letter sweater (your own or one bestowed by your boyfriend for affection and/or services rendered) or envied those who did ... made good grades or barely squeaked by (perhaps because they didn't know much about dyslexia and other learning disabilities then) ... were "good" or "bad" (as defined by the times) or more likely "confused" and just desperate to fit in ... a "nice" guy or a James Dean wannabe. High school marked a significant rite of passage in all our lives ... and we each are deserving (and in need sometimes) of a congratulatory and/or accepting hug, an elevation of spirit generated by a bright welcoming smile, the quiet benediction inherent in the knowledge that we successfully ran that gauntlet of taunts and insults and uncertainty ... and we survived to tell the tale! We survived ... mostly better, and wiser I think (I fervently hope) for the experience.

We're not in high school any more, people. We've all traveled different life paths, with diverse experiences, to become the people we are today. While it is likely that most of us have retained some of the "core" essentials of those adolescents we were at CHS, I firmly believe that our life lessons have honed and burnished our present personalities, our souls if you will, like a skilled diamond cutter ... although unfortunately, in a few instances, it must be acknowledged that the master jeweler apparently struck the stone poorly and left it fractured, shattered ... bereft of light and knowledge and radiant enlightenment. In fairness to the master jeweler, it should also be noted that some stones themselves may have harbored deep, hidden flaws rendering them incapable of being polished or refined. Those unfortunates, I fear, will have many more journeys, much longer than a thousand miles...

A reunion can be and should be a celebration of all our life journeys and the sometimes quite divergent roads that we chose ... as well as a joyous commemoration and remembrance of birthday parties and Birthday Clubs and Friday Night Lights and Saturday nights dragging the highway, or date nights at the old Palace Theater ... a shared commonality of feeling and circumstance, and a sharing of all the singularly unique experiences which we bring to reconnection ... an ephemeral eulogy to our former selves and times, and an encomium and festive appreciation for all we have lived through, and learned through, to reach the caravanserai where we choose to pause temporarily to rest and refresh for our further travels.




The Three Pure Ones

A reunion is not a place to take offense over small, petty, long-ago or even contemporary disagreements, or perceived (possibly erroneously perceived) slights ... or to belligerently insist that everyone march to the beat of one particular drummer (or another). If we have grown and are wise, we will have learned that everyone does not have to look like us, or think like us, or believe like us, or act like us ... that we all traverse this world, this life, all our many lives, as we should, as we are supposed to, so that we may all reach the state of understanding and grace required to move on to our next existence ... and that those who are dogmatic, and dictatorial and seek to bend others to their will and mindset ... even these will eventually arrive at satori ... but it just may take a while.... (grin) And in the meantime, the rest of us can practice understanding, empathy, acceptance, sympathy and certainly pity for the difficult journeys these people will have ... because they've got a lot of livin' (and lives!) to do.... (Cheshire grin)

All of that having been said ... and here I am reminded of the Rolling Stones singing "You can't always get what you want" ... it is with regret that I must write that I will not be able to attend the reunion in Childress. Sometimes, despite the best laid plans and great desire, the universe has other things in store for us. In my case, Yahn's doctor has told him that because of some health problems he has had recently, she doesn't believe he should make the trip ... and I cannot, should not and will not leave him home alone. I had been looking forward to seeing many of you ... but I must remember that I have been blessed to come together with many of you over the past year (and years), and that with joss (luck), there will be more such opportunities in the future.

I have tried my best to think of some reasonable scenario which would allow me to get away for a couple of days ... and Yahn himself has encouraged me to attend the reunion ... but in the end, it comes down to the fact that he does not need to be left alone right now ... and so my decision is made, and clear. Of course there is disappointment ... but also the certainty that I am doing what I should be doing at this time, in this season.

So, on Friday evening, October 3, I will lift a glass in salute to the CHS Class of 1963 ... to all of those who attend the reunion, and all who don't, and all who are no longer able to attend ... and I will smile at the good memories. And that slight disturbance in the air around you will be my whispered wishes to all of you that you may have the very best of everything in this "autumn" of our lives, and in the future ... as I recall Mark Twain's words that "Death is the starlit strip between the companionship of yesterday and the reunion of tomorrow." L'chaim!

)O(

Another Year Over: The Blog Year One

The Blog is Born


Because I have an intense interest in technology and a strong desire to stay current with the latest developments, especially those relating to education and classrooms, I was curious and delighted when I found a book entitled Blogs, Wikis, and Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms, written by Will Richardson. I must also confess that my delight in finding the book and bringing it home related somewhat to recognizing it as an opportunity to both horrify and tease Jim a bit with the title because he has always thought me to be a bit “weird” in some of my interests relating to technology.

I have previously had a lot of experience with designing and maintaining web pages, and while I had heard of blogs and blogging, I had no experience even though I had made a couple of half hearted attempts at various times. Reading Richardson’s book rekindled my curiosity and solidified my opinion that blogs have real application to not only classrooms but to our daily lives. Unlike regular web pages, blogs hold the key to allowing users to post unlimited information, opinions, ideas and other resources to an audience that in turn can easily and quickly respond. In the book, Richardson writes,

“I will never forget the first time I posted my opinion (on a blog), and the first time someone responded to it. There was something really powerful about easily being able to share resources and ideas with a Web audience that was willing to share back what they thought about those ideas."

Additionally Richardson states:

“Weblogs are not built on static chunks of content. Instead they are comprised of reflections and conversations that in many cases are updated every day…… Blogs engage readers with ideas and questions and links. They ask readers to think and to respond. They demand interaction.”

By the time I had finished reading much of what Richardson has written, I became consumed with learning to become a blogger. In the back of my mind I wanted to become proficient with a new skill that I might someday apply to the writing of curriculum designed for online learners. I turned to Blogspot.Com and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to setup a blog in my name. Somehow I knew that my intended audience was to be the CHS Class of 1963. The idea was there in my mind and I had a vision of what I wanted to do.

Amazingly, it all came together on Monday, August 13, 2007, one year ago today! “Reflections on the Way Were: Childress High School Class of 1963” was launched.

Depending on word of mouth and the few email addresses that I had for former Childress classmates, I published the first post for the blog. In trying desperately to come up with a topic with wide appeal I wrote Reflections on a Teacher at CHS. The two goals I set forth were to publish new posts at least once a month and to get Jim involved in writing for the blog as well. The first goal has been met thanks to much help from Jennifer who came on board August 27, 2007 with her post entitled Blue Room, Hot Wheels, Purple Prose and the No. 4 Chili Cheeseburger ... The second goal involving Jim has been less successful, even though he has blessed us with one post entitled Life is a game; Basketball is Serious: Jim Wilcoxson. However, his behind the scenes support, and interest have been invaluable.

To this date we have published 92 posts. In an effort to provide a variety of topics of interest to everyone, we have enjoyed multiple posts entitled Cat’ Tracks which focused on the travels and trips of various classmates, posts entitled Bobcat Treasures which focused on every individual member of our class by incorporating bits of information from the past and present, The Times of Our Lives which cover memorable events which have affected all of us, and Blast From the Past which happily once more bring to us articles written by Jennifer in the Corral including her column “As You Like It.”

In the beginning the posts focused on “the way we were” in 1963 by reliving the junior and senior banquets and good times with old friends. The Naughty Nine as well as Childress HS athletics, band, and cheerleading were spotlighted in posts. We revisited the “blue room”, drag racing, and Halloween past and present. Not surprisingly over the year many of the posts have moved to the issues that we in the Class of 63 face today such as aging, caring for elderly parents, grandchildren, and living the good life of retirement.

Sadly, we have found it necessary to take the time to mourn the loss of too many of our friends and classmates including two who died during this year, John McConnell in 2007 and Larry Clifton in 2008.

Room for Expansion

In January, 2008, the Reflections Blog was linked to a new blog named “Show and Tell” which serves as an online yearbook for our class. The goal is to showcase each class member of 1963 with a brief updated bio of life after graduation up to “today”. Fourteen of our old friends have graciously responded. I still have hopes that we will be able to add more in the next months.

In February, 2008 another piece of the puzzle was created in the form of another linked blog called “Short Notes.” We want a place to share information and short posts on a wide variety of topics. 32 short notes including Childress information, art works by former classmates and a trip to Paris. This blog is one we would like to “do over” a bit, but it has been a successful way to share information about other classes at CHS, reunion information, and much more.

The newest planned linked blog will be called “Celebrating the Journey: The Power of Love” which is designed to spotlight and celebrate the marriages of our former classmates as they share their secrets of a great marriage. At this time we have published a post from Kay Eatherly and Gayle Whitten on the Reflections blog. When new posts are received, the new blog will become active.

We Couldn’t have Done it Without You!

So many people have helped us in so many ways. Posts were written by Joe Hopkins, Clara Robinson Meek, Linda Kay Bridges Cook, Kay and Gayle Whitten, Darryl Morris, Lynn Purcell Durham, Mike Spradley, Yahn Smith, Raenell Wynn Smith, Phil Tutor, and Betty Smith Merritt. We appreciate you more than you can imagine!

In order to get the word out about the blog, we had a great response from the following people who shared email addresses, home addresses and phone numbers of former classmates. Thank you so very much to Raenell Wynn Smith, Jennifer, Linda Key Rothwell, Joe Hopkins, Classmates.Com, Kay Eatherly Whitten, and other Childress people.

To everyone who cared enough and took the time to comment on posts over the last year—we remain eternally grateful to you.

To all of you who emailed your support and good wishes over the year, thank you so very, very much!

To each person who is in the spotlight on the online yearbook, thank you for stepping up and sharing. It has been so much fun to read about you and your families over the years. Carolyn Loter Barlow was brave enough to be the first up. Each life story has been such a blessing to all of us.

A special thank you to Kay and Gayle. You didn’t disappoint me! I owe you big time!

Thank you to Harold Simmons for your contributions to Short Notes! It is always good to hear from you.

Thank you, Betty Smith Merritt, for blessing us with your story and your poetry.

Thank you to Driscilla Dehtan Storrs for your emails and your encouragement.

Thank you to Mike Spradley for your wit, your stories, and your drawings. You were such a blessing in the beginning. We look forward to your return to the blog in the future.

Thank you to Clara Robinson Meek for your friendship and for sharing your art and your wonderful stories. More please!

Thank you to Pat Davenport Shapiro for having us to your home. It was such a wonderful time and so wonderful to see you again.

Thank you to Lynn Purcell Durham for your story of survival in the hurricane. It was awesome! You remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you to Bill Bailey for getting in touch with us and for so willingly sending your bio to Show and Tell. We appreciate you!

The Big Disappointments

We were disappointed but not down and out by the unsuccessful drive to have our 45th reunion in Las Vegas. It would have been so much fun, but we are anticipating seeing many more of you in Childress. Thank you to everyone who is planning on making the trip.

We are sad that a few of our classmates remain on the Lost rather than the Found lists. Juanita Foster, Linda Ham Stephenson, Gerald Holeman, Darrel Manuel, Woody Maggart, Barbara Moore, Bruce Patterson, Linda Richie Cook, Juanita Taylor, Rex Wheeler, and Eddie Worthington are missed. Can you help us locate any of them?

Sadly, many of our classmates that we have managed to locate have not gotten in touch with us. Every person is important to us and we would love to hear from everyone.

Great Rewards

Locating Phil Tutor in Arizona and meeting Phil face to face along with his wife Winnie was so much fun. Phil has “grown up” : ) very nicely and we look forward to hearing from The Bish again.

Reconnecting with so many of our other classmates via email, telephone calls, or face to face is wonderful!

Seeing so many of our classmates reconnect with old friends because of the blog is terrific, too.

Getting to see “Jersey Boys” in Dallas with Linda Bridges Cook and her husband Wayne Cook! Linda, you make both Jim and me laugh with your wonderful wit and stories.

Having the occasional Sunday lunch with Jan and J.R. Bell.

Saving the Best for Last

Jennifer, your posts, your encouragement, your great ideas, you wonderful titles, your wit, your passion and zeal on so many levels all mean more than I can say. Thank you for your friendship. You have blessed every one of us in so many ways.

What is Next?

With the support, suggestions, and input of our "audience" we will continue One Day at a Time.

A Final Look Back

John Lennon’s, “Happy Christmas (War Is Over)” remains one of my favorite songs. Three of the lines in particular always make me stop and think and even though the song is a Christmas song, I want to apply those lines here because I love them. They are not in the order that they appear in the song, but they are reflective of the first year of the blog for me.

”Another year over
And what have you done”

It has been a great year. It has been my pleasure to create a blog that hopefully has served many of you well by transporting you back to a much simpler time when we were young and full of hopes and dreams. However, I would hope most of all that as we share our stories of today with one another we can once again re-establish the bonds of friendship and respect based on the adults that we have become today.

"Another year over
And a new one just begun"

With the new year of the blog, dare I hope that we will see more of each one of you actively appearing on the blog? What a gift that would be for all of us.

I remain your humble blog servant or perhaps I should say, I remain your humble blog slave! : )

Nicki

Bobcat Treasure: Silk ... Spices ... and Essence ....

The Silk Road

When I began the "Bobcat Treasure" blogposts on September 15, 2007 with Pearls ... of Wisdom ... and Giants and Windmills (the editorial written by our blog friend and former teacher Darryl Morris for the May 19, 1963 Senior Edition of The Corral), it seemed natural to continue the planned series of updates on the Class of 1963 with the "treasure" theme. To date, in discussing our classmates, we have used analogies of a precious metal (gold on October 20) and precious stones (diamonds on September 21, jade on December 31, rubies on February 4 and emeralds on April 16), as well as one precious occasion (Amarillo Style, published by Nicki October 24, 2007).

But, as I pondered this entry which I anticipate will conclude the series (although I have learned never to say never ... because there is always and always, ever), I could not avoid thinking that there are so many other treasures, valued through the ages, which have not been included, which in their time have been accorded more worth than diamonds or gold. And it seemed to me that the incredible diversity of the individuals of the Class of 1963 almost demanded the further diversity of analogy. So I have taken inspiration for this post from ancient treasures from fabled lands ... silk, spices and perfumes (essence) ... which may have bedecked, stimulated or anointed Pharaohs and Emperors, or the Queen of Sheba, or Cleopatra ... as well as our thoroughly modern selves.

Silk fabric was developed in China between 6000 and 3000 B.C.E. (Before Common Era, a/k/a B.C.), and was originally intended solely for the use of Chinese Emperors, either to adorn themselves, or to bestow as gifts to favored members of the court. Through the enterprise of far-ranging Chinese merchants, starting about the time of the Han Dynasty (114 B.C.E.), silk eventually reached lands throughout the world on the storied Silk Road, which ultimately extended over 5000 miles and also was the conduit for other luxury trade goods like musk, rubies, diamonds and pearls.

The earliest evidence of the silk trade came with the finding of silk in the hair of an Egyptian mummy of the 21st Dynasty (1070 B.C.E.). In Homer's Odyssey, it is said that Odysseus wore a "gleaming" shirt, which scholars believe referred to silk. The secret of silk-making reached Europe at the time of the Byzantine Empire, around 550 C.E. (Common Era, a/k/a A.D.). Merchants of Venice traded extensively in silk and encouraged the growth of the industry in Italy; since the 13th Century, silk from the province of Como has been considered the most valuable in the world. Beautiful silk is also produced in Brazil, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, India and Thailand, as well as in other areas, and the finest examples are highly prized and quite expensive even today.

I've always been fond of the Robert Frost poem, The Silken Tent:

She is as in a field a silken tent
At midday when the sunny summer breeze
Has dried the dew and all its ropes relent,
So that in guys it gently sways at ease,
And its supporting central cedar pole,
That is its pinnacle to heavenward
And signifies the sureness of the soul,
Seems to owe naught to any single cord,
But strictly held by none, is loosely bound
By countless silken ties of love and thought
To everything on earth the compass round,
And only by one's going slightly taut
In the capriciousness of summer air
Is of the slightest bondage made aware.

But I digress....

Silk moths

Exotic spices (including salt, once known as "white gold" and for a time worth more than its metallic namesake) were also part of trade along The Silk Road, but had an even more extensive reach via other trade routes. Spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and ginger were trafficked extensively well into antiquity. Pepper and nutmeg became popular around the 7th Century C.E.

Expanded maritime trade led to an explosive growth in the distribution of spices from the Indian Ocean throughout Asia, from the Sunda Strait in Indonesia to the Cape of Good Hope, through the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea during the Ptolemaic Period in Egypt, where overland routes carried them to Europe and Africa. Java and Borneo in particular became hubs for the increasing trade in aromatic spices. Despite early Asian, Indian and Arabian supremacy in spice trading, from the end of the Middle Ages until modern times the spice trade was dominated by European traders, primarily the Dutch, Portuguese and the British. Penang in Malaya (now Malaysia), the setting of Tan Twan Eng's novel The Gift of Rain (recently referenced more than once by me on the the blog), was established as a pepper port by the British in 1786. The Kingdom of Aceh (now part of Indonesia, and devastated by the horrendous December 2004 Asian tsunami) was a powerhouse of the Southeast Asia spice routes. The Republic of Venice was also a major factor in the Spice Trade.

A major consequence of the Spice Trade was the discovery of the American Continent(s) by European explorers, since Western Europeans did not want to be dependent on, nor pay the heavy taxes levied by, the Muslim Ottoman Empire. The first Asian spice grown successfully in the New World was Jamaican ginger, a root originally from Southern India and China.

Silk enhances the appearance of those who wear it, and delights the eye of those who behold its splendor. Spices titillate our palates, and their judicious use often lifts quotidian nourishment into the realm of the extraordinary, and sometimes the sublime. Silk and spices are without doubt life-enhancing and give pleasure to those who encounter and appreciate them. And so, I give you silk and spices....

A spice shop in Morocco

Sharon Molloy: Office assistant, "Molly." Sharon is married to Ray Kelley (CHS Class of 1960) after 20 years of widowhood following the death of her first husband, Billy Smothermon (CHS Class of 1959). Sharon has published a wonderful update in "Show and Tell" (May 18, 2008), and she and Ray plan to be in attendance for the class reunion in Childress October 3-5, 2008. We look forward to seeing both of them then.

Bill Bailey: His Jeep, filming all of the CHS football games. Bill has allowed us to publish a great update on "Show and Tell" (June 10, 2008). He is presently Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, (where his wife Jean also works), after a 31-year career with the United Methodist Church. Bill unfortunately will not be able to attend the Childress reunion in October because of his school schedule, but we urge you to read his referenced bio.

Joe Hix: DE student, blond hair. We believe Joe lives in Childress. He plays the organ beautifully, as he did for my mother's funeral there in 1983.

Carolyn Z. Mooney: Tall, senior play. We believe Carolyn resides in Childress with her husband, but we have no additional information at this time.

Gerald Holeman: DE student, Kirkland. We believe Gerald has been living in Dallas, and we recently published an obit of his brother Curtis (CHS Class of 1960) on "Short Notes" (June 26, 2008). We have no additional information.

Patsy Poling: Hair, new Ford. Pat Sledge and her husband have been traveling in Colorado, but anticipate returning soon to their home near Waco. Pat does plan to attend the class reunion in October.

Don Morgan: DE student, black hair. Don is married to Billye and lives in Childress. They have two sons and no grandchildren. Don graduated from West Texas State University in Canyon, then entered the U.S. Air Force and was an officer/pilot for 7 years. He has been farming in Childress since leaving the USAF in 1975. Don said (in our conversation this evening) that he is enamored of a French singer named Isabelle Boulay (look/listen on YouTube) and is contemplating a trip to Paris. He adds that he will plan on attending our class' dinner reunion on October 3 ... if he is not in Paris with Isabelle by then. (Billye was present during our conversation, and he was still living when I hung up .... grin....) I enjoyed talking to Don and look forward to seeing him soon.... Since publishing, we have been informed by unnamed (but reputable ... more or less ... grin) sources that Don is a devotee of the TV program "Dancing With the Stars." On one viewing, when the end of the show was somehow cut off, Don (through Billye) registered a complaint with the local ABC affiliate, which was later broadcast with other complaints received about the abrupt truncation of the show.

John Steed: Student council, Senior play cast. In recent e-mails from John, we have learned that John is a lobbyist working in Austin and, when not working, is at his homes in Arlington and Fort Worth. His next door neighbors are the actor Barry Corbin (Northern Exposure, etc.) and the novelist Sandra Brown. He is married to a doctor of Internal Medicine who practices in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Sherry Sides: Betty Crocker Award winner, green Ford. Sherry and her husband, Dennis Haddon, live in Lubbock. Sherry works for the Lubbock I.S.D., and we wonder if her path ever crosses with Wayne Havens (see "Show and Tell" published May 22, 2008).

Johnny Thornton: Basketball player, National Honor Society. John and his wife Katherine live in Fairview, in the Dallas area. John graduated from Texas Tech in 1967 and obtained his MBA from St. Mary's University in San Antonio. John is retired from a career which included more than 30 years with U.S. Steel. He and Katherine have one daughter and three grandchildren, one girl and two boys. When I spoke with John on July 24, he indicated that he will visit the blog and consider attending the October reunion in Childress.

Carolyn Bruce: DE student; dinner ring. Carolyn Bruce Lane lives in Childress. I talked with Carolyn this morning (Saturday, June 26) and she told me she and her husband Dwayne have adopted and are raising two grandchildren (ages 15-17). Between them, they have four children and eight grandchildren. Carolyn and Dwayne are both retired. Their home was severely damaged in the recent Childress tornadoes. She said she had been hoping for a new roof, but that wasn't exactly the way she had imagined getting one ... and we both laughed over the wisdom in the old caveat to be careful of what you wish for ... or at least specific in the details of the request. Carolyn has also been battling cancer, and hopes to be able to attend the Class of 1963 dinner on October 3 at K-Bob's, if her health permits. We certainly send our best wishes to Carolyn and do hope to see her soon.

Bettye Galyean: All-Star volleyball player and NHS [National Honor Society]. Bettye Galyean Seagroves lives with her husband in Westcliffe, Colorado. after retiring from their jobs in Childress.

Philip Tutor: Basketball player, FFA. Phil (a/k/a "The Bish" and "Mzunga" as well as other colorful appellations) is pastor of the New Life Church in Stafford, Arizona and has traveled the world and the U.S. in the course of his ministry. We were privileged to publish a topic post from Phil, Change ... It's Good for You!!! on March 4, 2008. There was a wonderful mini-reunion with Phil and his wife Winnie, Jim and Nicki, Linda Kay and Wayne, Coach Joe Warren and Yahn and I at Pappadeaux's in Dallas on April 9, 2008 (to read about the mini-reunion, see It Was a Dark and Stormy Night..., published April 11, 2008). Winnie and Phil have 16 grandchildren!!! Phil is in Rwanda as this is being published. At this juncture, Phil will not be able to attend the Childress reunion in October, though we continue to hope for a change in his schedule.

Barry Wakefield: Junior play cast, UIL poetry interpretation. We understand Joe Don is in occasional touch with Barry and are awaiting information from him, but have nothing further at this time. We believe Barry is considering attending the October reunion. We have just learned that Barry graduated from Texas Tech with a degree in accounting, following a stint in the Navy. He has lived/worked in Oxnard, California for Helena Chemical for a number of years. We understand that Barry frequently travels to Texas to visit family and friends, and so hope this bodes well for attendance at the reunion.

Patricia Painter: State FHA Degree, Corral staff. Patricia Painter McCain lives in Missouri City, Texas (outside Houston).

Gayle Whitten: Best-Natured, National Honor Society. Gayle is married to our classmate Kay Eatherly Whitten and they live in Lubbock. As Kay reported in connection with Bobcat Treasure: Gold ... "King Tut" ... and the "Lost Buddha"... (published October 20, 2007): I retired from teaching 4 years ago, and Gayle still has his painting business. He quit teaching after 12 years so he could own his own business and I could be home with our children. So for 20 years I did not teach but was mom to Melissa (nearly 38) and Mark (36). Melissa and her husband live in Lubbock and they have 3 precious children: Lindsay (7), Aaron (5) and Colby (3 months). Mark lives in Houston and has Kamber (6) and Asher (4). When all the "grands" are together, they are like "fireants" What a blessing! Gayle and I have an intense desire to serve our Lord Jesus in any way He leads. We have been on a couple of mission trips to the Czech Republic, and we may begin a ministry of "mom and dad" to missionaries. We are not sure right now. We have been blessed to travel a lot, and we love people, so we are waiting. Kay and Gayle have confirmed that they will attend the Class Reunion in Childress in October, and will definitely be at our Class dinner at K-Bob's at 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 3.

Johnny Wilson: Greenbelt football player, student council. John and his wife Pam live in the Fort Worth area, where John coaches and Pam teaches middle school, after both retired from careers in education in Oklahoma. They have two children, a boy and a girl. We understand his son is getting married in close proximity to the October reunion, which may preclude his attending.

Bryce Wormsbaker: Wavy hair. Bryce lives in Childress, is married with children, and works for the U.S. Postal Service.

Johnny Wright: Debate team, black eyes. We believe John is living in Greenville, South Carolina, but have no further information at this time. We will update if possible. Since publishing, I have spoken to John Wright in South Carolina and sent him the link(s) to the blog. We are hopeful that John will provide us with an update which we can share with the class. It will be appended here when received.

Etruscan perfume vase shaped like a female head

Perfumes (from the Latin per fumus meaning "through smoke") have been valued for trade throughout recorded commercial history. The blending of perfume began in Ancient Egypt, and was expanded by the Arabs and the Romans. The oldest known perfumery, dating to the Bronze Age about 4000 years ago, was excavated on Crete. The first recorded chemist was Tapputi, a perfume maker mentioned in a Mesopotamian Cuneiform tablet from the 2nd Millennium B.C.E. Gaius Plinius Secundus, a/k/a Pliny the Elder, author, naturalist, philosopher and naval and military commander at the time of the Roman Empire, described the basic ingredients and methods of making perfume in his Naturalis Historia, which was dedicated to the Roman Emperor Vespasian. (Pliny the Elder died during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius which destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 C.E. But again I digress....)

Early perfumes were made from amber, musk, aromatic oils and spices. Persian doctor/chemist Ibn Sina (a/k/a Avicenna) perfected the process of distilling oils from flowers, the process most often used today.

Scientific research (and sometimes personal experience) suggests that scent is the strongest trigger to memory. The smell of cut grass or baking cookies may remind us of childhood. The smell of woodsmoke can evoke thoughts of autumn or cozy winter nights before the fireplace. The scent of a particular perfume can recall a mother, a special friend, a lover.... Sugawara Takesue no Musume (1009-1070) knew the poignancy of memory manifest in a tantalizing waft of perfume when he wrote in Perfume Laden Air:

When from the neighboring garden the perfume-laden air
Saturates my soul with memories,
Rises the thought of the beloved plum tree
Blooming under the eaves of the house which is gone.

In about the 15th century, essential oils and blended perfumes used by ancient Greeks and Romans were often transported in amphorae, ceramic vases with two handles and a long neck which was narrower than the body of the jar. Amphorae have proven of great benefit to archaeologists, since amphorae found in shipwrecks or in caves or ancient cellars are sometimes so well preserved that the original contents are still present. Even when the amphorae have been broken, or lost for centuries, there sometimes remains a residue which can be reconstituted to a remarkable degree as it was in its original state. And so, finally, for those Bobcats, our former classmates, for whom we have been unable to find any information, I give you perfumes ... essence....

Greek Amphora, showing the goddess Athena


Juanita Foster: DE student and shorthand. No information.

Linda Ham: Larry's big sister, brown hair. No information.

Woody Maggart: FHA sweetheart, white convertible. No information.

Darrell Manuel: Track and speech club parliamentarian. Despite leaving messages for Darrell on the Classmates website (where he is registered), we have heard nothing from him and have no information.

Barbara Moore: Librarian's Club President; Joe's big sister. No information.

Linda Ritchie: Engaged, red hair. No information.

Eddie Simmons: DE student, student council. No information.

Eddie Worthington: DE student, green Falcon. No information.


If we have inadvertently missed any of our graduating classmates in this series, or have unknowingly conveyed incorrect or incomplete information, we would appreciate your letting us know.

We also hope to catch up more with our classmates at the Class of 1963 dinner at 7:00 p.m. at K-Bob's Restaurant in Childress on Friday, October 3, 2008, held in conjunction with the All-School Reunion October 3-5. If you do plan to attend, please let us know so we can arrange for the appropriate number of seats. See you soon???

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