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09/05/21 10:33 PM #253    

Julie Hoggard (Olson)

 

 

Dear Julie, Tom, Teresa, Kim, Richard and others-I am so sorry that you had these painful experiences. As your LDS friends, we could have and should have done better. Now with our "aged" perspective as human beings, we know we must do better to be kind. We know the value of being noticed, included, and befriended.                           

Not judging each other, recognizing and valuing each other's differences, talents, capabilities, and experiences can still make our time on earth better.

I agree with Julie and Shaun that exploring additional venues to connect would be good. What about a "Ted- Talk" type of experience even sooner, rather than later? I would love to hear people's ideas and experiences on subjects such as Important Life's Lessons; Ideas for Aging Gracefully; Things Left to Learn; How to Live Together Amicably in a Divided World... and so forth. 

 

 


09/06/21 01:23 PM #254    

Tom Smart

I just want to thanks those who organized the reunion.  I really hesitated on going at all, largely  because I am such a radically different person today then I was in high school, but then, hopefully aren't we all?  The setting was wonderful, the forethought on safety with masks and being outside was commendable and those who donated extra money towards the meals afforded an inclusive time for all who wanted to attend.  Having a cash bar, great food, beautiful setting and layback hosts were enjoyable.  Contrast this with other classes with pizza in the school basement cafeteria.   I agree with comments about having a "devotional".   I doubt anyone other than the dominant faith attended, or wanted to, however, I believe the invitation was in good faith, however misguided.  Keeping religion and politics out of reunions seems like a good idea.   I'm happy I went and was surpised at how many people I enjoyed seeing, even though our time and friendships together were relatively short.  Putting together the Mermorium slideshow accenuated to me how short life is and how important it is to treat eachother with kindness and respect.    I don't personally see attending another, as the 50th seems like a landmark anniversary.  Let's toast to all enjoying the rest of the journey.


09/07/21 05:16 PM #255    

 

Julie Tornquist (Jacobsen)

Julie! That is such a great picture of you and your handsome husband!

How nice it was for you to express your understanding of how hard it was for the many that weren't part of the dominant religion.  It really is true that we were all self centered at that age. That includes me!  I was raised by a mother that taught us that the world would be a boring place if we were all the same.  She would ask at Westminster college if someone needed to come for Thanksgiving.  One guy was from India. Very fun.  We also were heavily involved in the YWCA because my step grandmother's mother started it in SLC.  So we knew people from all countries.  How strange it was that we weren't accepted readily just because we were Episcopalian.  Was that even a Christian religion?  Did we read the Bible?  I was asked these questions by my Mormon friends.  They weren't educated.  It's a continued frustration with people that haven't lived outside the bubble. Bbbbbbb

 

Now that I'm a convert I can see both sides and I'm happy to point out how feelings can be hurt.
 

Your idea of a TED talk sounds very intriguing. How many people are interested in this?  Again I ask. Shaun would be great to work with. As I mentioned to you I've had some severe health challenges. So it's kind of a wait and see thing for me since I've had cancer twice. Such a bummer! 


 

 

 

 

 


09/08/21 01:17 AM #256    

 

Carolyn Goates (Campbell)

I just have to say that it does my heart good to see such a lively discussion taking place in this forum. Let's all continue to keep in touch and share our ideas.


09/08/21 02:52 AM #257    

 

Julie Tornquist (Jacobsen)

Sorry about the bbbbb. I was typing on my phone and the paragraphs wouldn't form. I tested and moved on when it was working. Then forgot to go back to fix it. Too ridiculous!


09/10/21 12:59 PM #258    

 

Claudia Green (Burton)

 

I want to express my thanks to Bob Richards for the devotional. I loved it! 
It is ironic that Kathy spoke about the sweet and bitter of the high school experience. She spoke about letting go of the bitterness and grudges. She also spoke about being kinder and reaching out to everyone. I thought Kathy was adorable. I also loved watching Shaun, so charming and confident. 

This devotional was perfect for me. Being an introvert I felt like I could be a fly on the wall and just observe.  
So, in the spirit of letting go, I will forgive the boy I didn't know then or after who sat next to me after the stomp and said, "Do you know how stupid you look dancing?" (At the same time mimicking me). Stunned, I didn't respond. He proceeded, "If you knew how stupid you looked, you would never dance again!" 

My senior year book was peppered with apologies saying they were sorry they hadn't treated me well. We all have regrets in that regard. We all could do better. I still feel bad that I didn't respond better when my first crush, a class mate, took part of a tree branch, painted it and carved my name in it. It was so sweet and meant a lot to me, better then anything I could have received. But, I couldn't express my feelings so I didn't say much. I most likely made him feel stupid. If only we could have a do over! 

I am so sorry to read how painful it was for those who were excluded because they weren't of the dominant faith. It would be awful to be told that you weren't good enough to be a friend because you were not of the same religion. I had more "non-member" friends than I did member friends. It was not an issue in my family and was never mentioned. 

I have been depressed reading these negative comments. It really stole from the good feelings I came away with after attending the devotional. Bob was more then gracious and kind with his response. I feel horrible for Bob. He most likely isn't offended, but it doesn't mean it wouldn't be depressing after all his efforts of putting it together and trying so hard not to offend. Bob, I know a lot of us loved it! Thank you! 

Even though I couldn't bring myself to go to the reunion Saturday, I  knew it would be good and it sounds like it was. I appreciate all the work everyone did. I really appreciated John Haynes' invitations. You are a gem! 


 

 

 


09/11/21 12:38 PM #259    

 

Alan Parkinson

Dear Classmates,

I would like to echo Claudia Green Burton’s comments. I came up from Provo to attend the fireside, wondering if the two-hour round-trip drive would be worth it. I felt richly rewarded. The speakers addressed the topics of caring for each other and the Golden Rule as reflected in the philosophy of many religions. I would have been happy to attend such a service in the meeting place of any other faith. But as it was, the logistics of putting this together were substantial. I thank Bob Richards for his efforts. I know he was eager to receive suggestions and did not want to offend.

After reading the comments of those who felt excluded during their high school days, I hope to do better. Ironically, that was also the focus of the fireside—reaching out, and doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.

I thank all those who put the reunion together. I thank Tom Smart for the tribute to those who have passed away. This was very moving to me. Fifty years ago we stood on the threshold of our adult lives. Now we stand in the twilight. I hope we can forgive each other for any wrongs or slights that were committed many years ago, whatever the basis, and move forward with grace and kindness.

 


09/11/21 04:29 PM #260    

 

Julie Tornquist (Jacobsen)

Hi again!  It seems like I'm the one that's talking the most here.

Bob and I have had some very nice emails going back and forth. He's my buddy now!  I'm not downplaying the efforts-just that, well you can reread my comments above.

Tom, the video of our classmates that have passed was so well done. I especially appreciated Julie Evans Robinson's extra photos. Many of you don't know that of it weren't for Julie I wouldn't be married to my husband, Chris, now. Her husband, Dave, and Chris were best friends. She was one special lady!
 

 


09/13/21 11:57 PM #261    

Chip Spencer

I was sadened by some of the comments following our reunion. Too much criticism. Definitions that try to limit and restrict belief. One plans and carries out the best they can. I have come to learn that I can feel spiritual in good places. Wherever we go for our next devotional I'll be trying to tap into the spiritual, not thinking of the walls or name on the door. I'm in favor of more activities that help us get to know each other better. Most all of us are surely different than in high school. I like the Ted talk idea - I feel that our class has many great stories to tell. As the days go by, many of us will move off the "blue marble" and be somewhere else. I hope we can let the past go and create the today we want. Thomas Monson said we should be in the today with an eye on what we want the future to be. Eckhart Tolle says that we only have "now". I had such a wonderful time at dinner. I needed to be reminded of the golden rule and loving my neighbor. I don't think there's anything more important today - the only principles that will make the world better. I felt so comfortable among you and so confident. Thanks for your many kindnesses.  I look forward to being with you more often.

 


09/14/21 12:11 PM #262    

 

Julie Tornquist (Jacobsen)

Chip, it's good that we can all voice our opinion now. Many of us were silent and resentful years ago. I started a conversation that needed to be out in the open and I feel it's had a more bonding effect. But I feel there are still some that still don't get it. I commend the effort made for the Devotional after having conversations were the organizers.  They had excellent intentions but now we have better ideas for inclusiveness in the future.

There aren't any complaints from me about the other two events I went to. They were superb!


09/14/21 08:37 PM #263    

 

Gary Verchick

I also am not a Mormon but was fortunate to have a group of friends that were also non-Mormon, so I never felt ostracized, but I was never part of 'in' crowd. I’m sure the Mormons never felt that they were purposely excluding others, they simply went to church with a lot of people familiar to them and there were a lot of people who shared their faith. I’ve had Mormon friends and had nothing against them, to each his own. I even had a couple Mormon girlfriends after high school. If you are happy with your beliefs and can live with the social demands of Mormonism, who am I to criticize? These social constructs are certainly not my cup of tea, but I know it provides some level of comfort and happiness to a lot of people. Bob Richards, I like you and respect you. In high school we shared some interests, and I will never forget having a Thanksgiving dinner at your house with your family. I remember discussing audio gear with one of your family members.

Personally, I have never cared for inspirational messages, for me they go in one ear and out the other. If I listen to a Ted talk, I want interesting facts, not suggestions on how to change my behavior or to motivate me or to uplift me. One cannot beat the mystery of the mechanics of the Universe for bringing endless wonder to one’s mind. Is consciousness something that exists separate from our physical form? Maybe. Was the universe created by a conscious entity? Maybe. Considering our age, we may soon find out, or not.


09/17/21 10:44 AM #264    

 

Kim Robertson

No one can pull off an event that has 3 members in attendance without someone taking offense. Once we were polliwogs in a jar called East High but that jar is broken and the polliwogs turned into frogs are hopping everywhere. Hopefully most of you have found a pond or stream that you are comfortable in. If you haven’t, please be grateful for what you do have instead of resentful over all the things you don’t have. To paraphrase Hellen Keller, Security in life doesn’t exist and those who think it does ae deluding themselves and will be upset about it.

Children echo the thoughts and beliefs of their parents until they are old enough to learn to build a life that is more beautiful on the inside without a care if anyone else thinks it is beautiful on the outside. Those that don't learn this simple thing instill the same fears and dislikes for peoples, places and things in the next generation. In my travels I have met folks who still believe that 1,000 years is not too long to wait to take revenge on another family for an actual or perceived injustice … he who killed Tybalt must die still rules in some places. Hopefully we've forgiven all that and the fires have burnt out ... High School was half a century ago ... We've spent more than twice as long since graduating as we spent in the public school system getting to graduation.

Just returned from 9 days in the Shoshone wilderness and some of the folks I met were ever so much poorer than my family was growing up but rich beyond belief inside themselves and walking in a grace I'll never attain. They sat beside me adn told me the best trails and camping spots where sweet water ran, where and how to catch a fish for my supper, and thanked me before I shouldered my pack for my efforts to haul out trash left by those with no regard for Shoshone lands.

All folks the world over who find solace and community in their faith have a different kind of strength than those like me who do not. Those like me who walk outside that community also have a strength and for the life of me I don’t understand why either side needs to … excuse the pun … “lord” it over the other.

In Turkey and needing to find medicine for my wife, folks who could not speak English and me with limited Turkish found a way to communicate and get the meds she needed to make her well. All this good will between people who found a way trhough good intentions on both sides only to be undone in the Blue Mosque the next day when U.S. lady tore off her shawl, hauled out a big silver cross and yelled at the top of her voice to the faithful gathering for prayer “There’s a reason I’m a Southern Baptist!” It was just 3 days after Benghazi … Dee and I held up our hands and said to anyone who would listen “Canadian, Canadian” and edged out the side door as police surrounded the women to protect her. Freedom of speech comes with a grave responsibility to consider time and place and take responsibility for the consequences when you don’t. Hopefully I've used mine in this forum with the respect you all deserve.

We all like to celebrate diversity at our family celebrations in age of the family members gathered togethered and the variety of foods we consume. We all like to celebrate diversity in the gardens we tend and the butterflies that visit. Yet for some reason the fact that diversity in all its forms includes people and belief systems can be really scary at time. Time to put away the fear children – we don’t have much time left to come to peace with our own selves or with the changing world around us …

If I in the shadows have offended, think but this and all is mended. That all our lives we have slumbered here while controversies did appear. No more yielding but a dream, Gentles, do not reprehend: If you pardon, I will mend: and, as I am an honest Kim, I may at times appear very dim, now to scrape my serpent’s tongue and draw out the fangs that have sorely bit due to my lack of wit and pluck. So, good life to you all for we once were friend, and I hope you'll accept my attempt to make amends.

 


12/18/21 11:46 AM #265    

Nancy Curtis (Myers)

I have thought about this for a very long time. I was unable to attend the reunion this year but reading the comments here were more than a little shocking. I think that it was a thoughtful idea at this point in our lives. Wouldn’t it be great if we were grown up enough to see it as a way of showing kindness to the entire class? I am sorry to hear some have not moved past their past. 
Bob you are a thoughtful man thank you for looking for the good It seems you were able to use use the resources both available and familiar to you.  Which I am sure any of us would have turned to our own familiar  had we been brave enough or smart enough to plan something like this.  
And a big thank you to Kim Robertson who seems to always open my eyes and crack at my heart.  Thank you wise long time ago friend. 


12/21/21 04:38 PM #266    

Virginia Browning

Kim Robertson rocks!

I hardly ever check here, but happened to today.  Thanks again to those who organized the reunion.  I thought I had another message of thanks here from back then, but I don't see it.  It was a good surprise for me, wonderful setting, etc.  I'm just writing now in appreciation to Kim Robertson for his poetic musings - wish I could see them as I write to remember better - the one about the experience in Turkey really touched me, along with the little ending musings on his own life. Nice to know such thoughtfulness exists here on the planet.

Virginia Browning

 


07/26/22 06:50 PM #267    

Margaret Armstrong (Craig)

It is with sadness that I write to say that my dear friend and our fellow classmate Margie McCarthy passed away on May 6, 2022.  We would always write each other on our birthdays and when she failed to respond last year then never wrote on my birthday this year, I knew something was up.  Today would have been her 69th birthday.  I knew where Margie's daughter Megan worked, so I tracked her down and she told me what happened.  Margie was diagnosed with kidney cancer two years ago and thought she had beaten it only later to have cancer show up in her lungs and brain. 

I have the greatest memories driving around in Margie's red VW with our partners in crime, Laurel and Annette, and anyone else who we could entice to join us.  We'd scrounge for gas money to get us to our next adventure and these were the best of times.  

Happy birthday dear friend, you are missed.

Margaret Armstrong


07/27/22 11:53 PM #268    

 

Doris Winkler (Scholte)

I am very sorry to hear about Margie McCarthy.  I do not remember her, but I am sure she was a sweetheart.  My best wishes go out to you her Family.  Life is short.  I am realizing every day to treasure and appreciate every moment with Loved Ones, Friends and of life's experiences.

 

Thank You Margaret!

Doris Winkler Scholte


07/28/22 01:17 PM #269    

Mary Ann Jensen (Aiken)

I agree with you, Doris. I'm sorry abt Margie death. She was a sweetheart. My condolences go out to her family. Absolutely, treasure your life moments. 


07/30/22 03:30 PM #270    

Caren Cannon

I'm so sorry to hear about Margie's passing.  I knew her from Clayton and always enjoyed her fun personality. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.


07/31/22 04:35 PM #271    

Jocelyn Young

 

I knew Margie from Uintah, Clayton and East and always marveled at her raucous humor! She was raised with 5 brothers (or 4, I can't remember).  I remember going to a baseball game with her in elementary school and I thought something was wrong with the catcher because he had the catcher's mask and shin guards on- I asked her about it  and she laughed and her brothers laughed. I laughed and realized I grew up with girls and she grew up with boys!  I'm sorry she's gone; I'm sure she was a bright spot in her family's life. 

Jocelyn Young


03/10/23 06:31 PM #272    

Patricia Owen (Keele), Rn


06/26/23 12:50 PM #273    

 

Brent Hall

Sorry I did not attend the reunion due to radiation. I'm pleased to announce that I'm now 2 years cancer free.


06/27/23 12:36 PM #274    

 

Julie Tornquist (Jacobsen)

Brent, that's wonderful!  2 years is great!  I expect we'll see you at the next reception and we can check on each others progress. Right now I'm 5 years cancer free after my cancer had come back in 2018. There's always a question mark, isn't there. I hope we can both celebrate!

Julie

 


06/27/23 02:49 PM #275    

 

Lori Thomassen

That is great news Brent!


06/27/23 05:13 PM #276    

 

Terri Jacob (Trick)

Brent, I am heartily glad to hear it! 


06/30/23 06:08 PM #277    

 

Doris Winkler (Scholte)

Brent and Julie, I am glad to hear of your Cancer Free status.  I wish you both to continue enjoying a cancer-free life for many years to come with your loved ones!yes


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