Daniel S. Schafer

I’ve been thinking about Kris for a while, ever since Judy Hinton told me of her passing some time ago.  I first “met” Kris in junior high when seated next to her on some packed bleachers for some event as we were pushed closer and closer into each other.  As we were entering puberty then, my feelings certainly weren’t revulsion at catching cooties from a girl, but were surprisingly enjoyable!  Enjoyable or not, I knew I was way into her personal space and as I turned to awkwardly apologize, she gave me her big smile and said “It’s not a problem.”  After our introduction, we were often seated next to each other at El Roble in alphabetized classrooms (R-S) where we’d pass notes and roll our eyes about dumb things, and we’d talk and laugh between classes.  Kris was a great “gal pal” to have in those trying and unsure “coming of age” years between childhood and adolescence.   I thought her smile was great, her eyes exotic and that she was very cool with her short hair, tight skirts and blouses with the collar pulled up (very “Beat” generation).   So thanks Kris for being my pal and making me feel more comfortable in my skin (zity as it was).  I still think of you.   Danny