Michael Ferrara

James (Jimmy ) Gardner

That's funny, Michael. I needed something to liven up my Monday.

John Pierre Hill

I recently had to move my mother into an assisted living facility.  I was with her today at lunch today when another one of the residents motioned me over.  Turns out it was Calvin Beard, one of the history teachers at Lee!

John Hill

James Deaton (Jimmy) Kelly

Prayers are with you and your mom John.  That had to be a tough gig.  An help, let is know.

Jimmy

Robert Allen Rivers

Hi John,

I wish you the best with your mom.  The next time you visit her, if you see Mr. Beard, please tell him I said "Hi."  I had Mr. Beard for World History and really enjoyed his class.  He was a very nice and caring teacher as I recall.  Thank you for letting us know you ran into him.

Rob

(Barbara) Sue Green (Smith)

Hi John,  That is a difficult task  Thoughts and prayers with you and your family  Wow! Mr Beard is not a name I have heard in years  Sue (Green) Smith  

Charles Fobes

So sorry for anyone that has to place parents in assisted living facility. Prayers for those tasked with doing so.

Mr. Beard seemed so old when I took his American History class in my junior year. He has to be over 90!!

Wish we could have been at the Reunion but sure sounds like it was a great time for all.

We've been enjoying Kevin Burns' documentary "Country Music" this week. Standing ovation to classmate Gilchrist Berg, Amy and all The Better Angels Society members that made this outstanding event possible!!

John Pierre Hill

Thanks for all of the kind commentsabout my mother.  I wanted her to be in a safe place.  Hard to believe she is 92!

Speaking of that, Mr.Beard told me he was also 92.  I will pass on your comments.  If anyone is interested, he is in Room 502 at Elmcroft, which is just off of Southside Blvd, between Home Depot and Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Cheryl Linsey Beaugh (Farmer)

My Mom was moved to assisted living a year ago. She fell at home and broke her hip 9 months before. Tried and tried to let her stay home, but was not safe. She has adjusted well (after much fussing about leaving her home).  She is surrounded by caring people, has made new friends, and is engaged in activities that keep her busy and happy.  Mom will be 93 in November.  BTW, while visiting her this past winter I bumped into Amy Simpson Dyson, whose mother also lives there!

James (Jim) Mackie

So glad to see so many at our reunion last June, it was a pleasure to help as well as to share that special time.  I just released book titled, "Just Another Smelly Foot - the History of Athletic Training and Gatorade at the University of Florida.  I was fortunate to spend 16 years at UF and this book shares lots of stories.  A great stocking stuffer and you don't have to like the Gators to enjoy.  Available at Amazon.com $15.00 and proceeds go to support athletic trainer education and  medical bills from former injured athlete.

Wayne Griner

Jim, Congratulations on your book ...I'm a "BIG" Gator fan and look forward to getting your book...I'm actually watching the gators play Towson now, but took a moment to write you..."GO GATORS"  Wayne Griner

Vivian Partin (Matlack)

Ok, Jim. You convinced me. I will let you know if I hear kudos or complaints (after Christmas).   

Tommy Nixon

Jim, congratulations on the new book. I will definitely check it out. I had such a great time talking with you at the 50th. Being at UF was a transformative part of my life in many ways. Wayne Griner, who I most unfortunately did not run into at the reunion, has also just responded. Both of you guys were in Gainesville and experienced the incredible sports and educational scene. Wayne, remember playing city league basketball against Spurrier? You recruited me to play with you and Jack Schemer (Wolfson All Conference) who is currently a major judge I believe. Sorry I missed you at the reunion. Jim, you looked totally squared away when I saw you. I could have spent hours reminiscing. I now have a good idea on something to buy for myself. As Bob Hope used to say,”Thanks for the memories.” Tom Nixon

Wayne Griner

Tommy, great to hear from you...I attended the Friday night event brifely as I had come down with gastritis , a serious stomach problem and had to leave Saturday morning...Im fine now, but lost 25 lbs and have gained back about 20lbs..I remember us playing city league with Jack Schemer ( wolfson) Jeff Morris (Wolfson) Ralph Humphries (wolfson and Dennis Riddle ( played for Tulaane) and we beat some former gators one of which was Ken Vaness ( former Gator)...Those were the days and so much fun...I live in Palm Coast (retired 12 years  ago) and playing alot  of golf...If you get down here, please let me know, you have a place to stay...

John Pierre Hill

My mother died peacefully at Community Hospice last Saturday.  I had to move her to memory care about 6 weeks ago because of increasing dementia.  The bad part was her facility was almost immediately locked down becauseof the virus and I only got to see her a couple of times on a video call.  Not sure if she even knew who I was.  Did get to see her a few times while she was at Hospice and she died about 30 minutes after I left the last time.

Mr. Beard also went to the hospital about the same time and I have heard nothing further about him.  The facility is not allowed to tell me anything officially, but I will  see what I can find out later.

Carolyn Ruth Buford (Elmore)

John, I'm so sorry about your mother. May the Lord give you the strength you need during this terrible time. 
Carolyn Elmore

Tommy Nixon

John, my heart goes out to you. I'm sorry you were unable to be with your mother in her last hours. This pandemic is changing so much of what is normal and it is heart wrenching especially at these important moments. My mother also died of Parkinson's Dementia after coming out of memory care in 2012. I was able to sit with her for hours and work out so many emotions and feelings before she was freed from her worn out body. You didn't get that opportunity and so it will be something else that helps you cope. Your post touched me and I'm feeling for you in your pain. Tom Nixon

Susan Victoria Fritts (Burnett)

Hi all,

John sorry to hear about your mother.  I lost my mother the end of January just before the lockdowns started, so didn't have to go through what you have.  It must have been very difficult. 

Otherwise, hope ALL my classmates and their families are staying safe from Covid-19.  Was disappointed to see that my hometown opened up the beaches!  I'm trying to stay safe by staying home.  Hope this message finds everyone well.

Susan  

Susan Victoria Fritts (Burnett)

IDEA!  

I don't know how to do it, but we should have a ZOOM class reunion, if anyone knows how!

Susan

Kathleen Gain (Parkhurst)

John,

I'm so sorry for your loss, every son needs their Mother, and she will be with you in spirit. 

Look to the heavens for a bright " guiding " star.

I remember your Mom from all our days through elementary school till graduation at Lee. She was always there and she'll always be with you to share her wisdom and gentile ways.

As the Egyptian book of the dead says, " one is not dead as long as are remembered and their name is spoken, they will live  forever"

May you be comforted by the memories and the love she gave.

Your friend,

Richard " Parky"

Penelope Drew (Ware)

Thanks for all friends who have prayed for me!!! I am better!!! Yay!!! Penny

M Jane Johnson (Johnson)

Penny and John, 

I am so glad you are feeling bette Penny.  John, I am so sorry about your mom.  Mine has been gone since 2007.  Can't believe it has been that long.  Hugs to you both, 

As to knowing how to use Zoom, I do, use it all the and have my own account.  If anyone wants to set up something I can help with that.  

Jane Johnson

Hans Tanzler III

John, I am so sorry to hear your dreaded news, and in a locked down nursing home.  We all know the time is coming for our parents, and it is sobering to know that now we are next in line.  The finality of it. You only have one Mom and Dad.  

I know this is a tough time for you and your family.  When I lost my Dad several years ago, and my Mom a couple of years ago, I knew their time was short, they were infirm, but still I wasn’t prepared.  

I found a lingering sadness that occasionally worsens when little things, relating to them, are later discovered that bring back the fond memories.   Embrace them, and try to take solace in an eternal perspective.

Remember to seize the day.   Hans

Robert Allen Rivers

John, so very sorry to hear about your mom.  I am sure it meant a lot to her and to you that you were able to spend some time with her when she was in hospice care, but I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been to not have been able to see her prior to that.  It sounds like she was a lovely person, and I am certain she is in a much better place now.  Penny, so glad you are doing much better--I hope the improvement continues.  Rob

John Pierre Hill

Many thanks to all of you for your responses.  The best part now is knowing she is free.

Penny - good to hear you are better.