John Li

I took one of those shortcut five-year instead of eight year college plus medical school programs (Penn State -- Jefferson). Then I did an Ear Nose and Throat residency in Chicago. I met Celeste at Penn State -- Jefferson, and got married during residency. We spent some time in LA, and then set up practice in Florida in 1992.

I took up flying airplanes, diving, fishing and surfing somewhere along the way.
Then kids came and changed our lives!
We have been very blessed!

I hadn't thought about high school for a long time, until the recent tragedy with Phil Heidemann.

Phil was one of my best buddies when we were at PHS. We would talk forever, philosophizing about anything in his gold car that he got for a buck from one of his relatives.
He was always so fast as a runner. He could always kick my butt in a 100 yard dash. When we were in Chicago, many years after high school, we had a running race for old times sake... I finished second.

Then we moved to Florida -- and so did he. Phil Heidemann is the reason my left pectoralis major muscle is no longer attached to my arm bone. Phil drove the WaveRunner while he was towing me on water skis. Somebody was driving too fast that day, and somebody else was not smart enough to let go of the tow rope when he wiped out. Thus ended my days of powerlifting.

Phil's life tragically ended in an airplane accident not far from where I live. (Coincidentally where I used to rent airplanes from... )
His passing has made me think about all the people that were ever important to me.
I remember the times with Pat & Rob -- making fun of each other. I remember times with the "Group". KM, RR, KC, KK, FH, RC, LJ, NL, AR, BJ, RH, MM et.al.
Time on earth is short... Glad y'all were in my life!