Message Forum

Mark Overstreet! Have a Happy...Happy Birthday!

04/11/10 03:18 PM

#3017

Happy Birthday Mark - Hope you have a wonderful day.

04/11/10 07:42 PM

#3018

Mark Overstreet

Thank you very much. We went out to dinner at Marina Del Rey. My son was here last week and took me to Chris and Pitts in Bellflower. Still the same great BBQ that they served 50 years ago. I don't feel like I'm 60. But if this is what 60 feels like, then I'm doing quite well. When I was a boy, if we saw one of the neighbors, 40 years old or older, running around the block, we'd call him a "nut."
Our generation is "forever young"(at least in our minds). We see older people running down the streets and through the parks all the time, it's rather normal. I don't run as fast, but I still run. My plan is to stay 55 years old until I'm 65 (which means I have some catching up to do in order to become 56 again).
I look forward to seeing you all in June.

I hope that more of you will post photos of your school day (or daze) on your classmate profile. They bring back some good memories.
Most sincerely,
Mark

04/15/10 08:32 AM

#3019

Another sad note, I got an email from Steve Wysongs sister this morning and Steve passed away in December after a 15 month battle with lung cancer.

All the more reason we all need to stay in touch!!!!!

04/15/10 12:46 PM

#3020

Patricia Hamilton (Denham)

This a copy of an email that I received from Carol:

Dear Friends and Family,

Jim passed away Saturday morning at 4:10. He battled his cancer for 5 years and now is at peace with our Lord. He was a great man, husband, father, friend and loved by all and will be greatly missed.

A viewing will be Monday, April 19th from 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. at: Whites Funeral Home, 9903 E. Flower St, Bellflower, Ca 90706.

The Funeral Mass will be Tuesday April 20th at Saint Irenaeus, 5201 Evergreen Ave, Cypress 90630 at 8:30 A.M.

Grave Side at National Cemetery in Riverside at 12:30 P.M.

A celebration of Jim's life will be at SeaCoast Grace Church in the Ranch House, 5100 Cerritos Ave, Cypress at 4:00 P.M.

Sincerely,
Carol Smith

04/15/10 09:49 PM

#3021

Mark Overstreet

I wasn't sure about writing my thoughts and feelings. Steve and I were communicating until he passed away. We were good friends in high school and after. Steve and I worked together at the Tastee-Freeze for years. We were running mates on the cross-country and track team. We developed a bond. When things weren't going well late at night at my house, I'd knock on Steve's door and he'd let me stay overnight. After graduation we took a few road trips up to the Redwoods, and visited Height and Ashbury. I used to hitch hike up to visit him when he lived in San Jose. I started to lose contact when he moved to South Lake Tahoe, but we visited every now and then. In our youth, Steve and I would philosophize late at night. He helped me pick out a suit for the prom. Then there was the time, when I first got to know him in Ms. Nelson's Spanish class, he lent me his 59 chevy so I could take Pat P. out on a date. I had just gotten my driver's license and I'd never driven a stick shift before. He gave me a 15 minute lesson in the parking lot of the Tastee-Freeze and off I went. It's not only the big events but the little things that I remember about my friend Steve. It was about a year ago, before he told me about his illness, that I let him know that he was a valuable person in my life. He was a positive influence when we were young and helped me stay on a constructive path. I wrote down the little things and the big events that I shared with Steve, in my journal/autobiography. Thinking of Steve makes me reflect upon my life the life that I share with others. I wrote my good old friend Gary Buice and shared my thoughts about our friendship. May we cherish our times together as long as we can.
Hope to see you all in June.
Mark

04/15/10 11:25 PM

#3022

Thanks for sharing that Mark. I did not know Steve personally but I can picture his face vividly in my mind. I'm sure he will be greatly missed. It is so sad that death has to be such a big part of our lives but just think if our friends and family had never passed through our lives. Garth Brooks summed it up. I wouldn't have wanted to miss the dance.

04/16/10 11:24 AM

#3023

Mark...Thank you so much for your memories. I like Pat didn't know Steve very well. My prayers are with his family.
These 'golden years' have been the hardest part of this life of mine. The loss of so many family and friends is the hardest part of getting old.

04/16/10 06:52 PM

#3024

Mark,

Thank you for sharing your memories of Steve. He was a very nice guy and I even remembered you both working at Tastee Freeze and I think Randy worked there also. We certainly have lost several classmates - and I am very thankful that we as classmates have stayed in touch even if it's just a little blurb on the message forum. This forum has been a real blessing for us Pirates to stay in touch.

My prayers are with Steve's family and may they have comfort in this very sad time.

04/19/10 01:00 PM

#3025

Ahoy Maties,

In just a few short weeks we will all be together at the beautiful Golden Nugget for our Pirates Vegas Party. Are you ready to party Pirate style? We're ready & waiting for you. Don't forget your swimsuits, camera & dancing shoes and for those early to bed folks - be sure to pack some No-Doze because you won't want to miss a minute of fun.. Oh and most importmant of all, be sure to leave all your troubles and cares behind, you won't need them here....we promise. Friday night is our social mixer with classmates & guests, it's a great time to catch up with each other, make new friends, meet your future spouse or broker a business deal :), enjoy a few cocktails & dance the night away if you like. Saturday night is our dinner and dance party, the food promises to be Outstanding, you can also expect plenty of good conversation and a DJ to get the party started. We'll have a cash bar to keep the drinks fresh and flowing & coffee to keep the eyes open. Now, tell me what more could a Pirate ask for?

It's been a long, long winter, sooo.. get out of those cold wet clothes and slip into a Dry Martini in Fabulous Las Vegas. What Happens in Vegas...Stays in Vegas. Promise.

Friendships are one of the few things that improve with age. See you soon my friends.

Peggy

04/20/10 10:40 PM

#3026

Phyllis Willhite

Please welcome our newest class member to the site, Steve Herbelin.

04/23/10 08:01 AM

#3027

Molly Lowe (Davis)

Nice to see a new face on the site - welcome, Steve Herbelin.

There's been so much sadness lately with the passing of parents and spouses and, even, classmates; it's so nice that we can bond here at this site for the support that helps pull us through.

I think the reunion will really be a good, healing occasion for all.

Molly

04/23/10 03:59 PM

#3028

Pat Kuester (Bowen)

I had a dream last night that Donna Boudreau and Dee Sauceda came over. I gave her a big hug, then it dawned on me that she was supposed to be dead. I told her that I was told she had died. She said it was a long story and she would tell me about it later. Then I remembered that her son had given me all of her red hats and Red Hat stuff. I asked her if she wanted it back, she said I could keep it.

I want everyone to know she looked really good and was generous even after death.

04/24/10 11:22 AM

#3029

Marcia Kraft (Barringer)

Pat ---- You are even funny in your dreams!!

04/24/10 10:48 PM

#3030

Sorry to add yet more sad news, but Gene Muren lost his first wife Debra after a long battle with Alzheimers. Gene is an amazing man who has continued to do so much for research and to help inform more people about this horrible disease.

Gene and his wife Linda have taken care of Debra for a long time now, so unselfish and kind and loving. You are both going to be very blessed for all you have done.

You are in my thoughts and prayers, as we both know Debra and my mom are both now in a better place and no longer suffer with that horrible confusion and all of the other awful things tht go with this disease. God bless them both.

Love,

Lynne

04/25/10 11:52 AM

#3031

Gene,

Sorry to hear of your loss - Our prayers are with you and Linda.

04/28/10 05:40 PM

#3032

Sandra Harris (Lint)

Well guys....after years of not knowing how to get in touch with any of you, I find you all at a time in our lives when loved ones, friends and classmates seem to be departing. It makes me so sad to hear of Steve's passing. I remember him well. I thought he was so cute. But we must remember there are still good times to be had by us all! I am grateful to have this forum to express my feelings that I sometimes would otherwise hold on to myself. Stay healthy, safe and don't forget to dance in the dark!! Clothes are optional!!.....Sandi

04/29/10 08:05 AM

#3033

There is a new scam in town, if someone comes to your door and tells you there is a invasion of ticks and ask you to take off your clothes and wave your arms don't do it, it's a scam. Gosh, I wish someone would have told me about this first. I felt really silly!!!! LOL

04/29/10 10:17 AM

#3034

Marcia Kraft (Barringer)

Very funny, Lynne.

Great news!!! Daughter-in-law Karen passed her State board exam and is officially an R.N. Yeah!!!

04/29/10 08:19 PM

#3035

Mark Overstreet

Daw gone it Lynn, I wish I would have known about that scam ahead of time. The ladies said that they saw a tick and had me pay to have the lawn sprayed.

Marcia,

Congratulations! Nurses work hard but can make some good money. Especially in these times of need.

05/01/10 01:07 AM

#3036

Pat Kuester (Bowen)

Lynne, That doesn't just work for ticks. It also keeps away stray dogs and cats, deers, rabbits or any nuissance varmints, including door-to-door salesmen.

05/01/10 12:35 PM

#3037

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.
I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.
They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore..
I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day(if I feel like it).
My brother sent this to me the other day...I thouhgt it would be nice to share.

05/01/10 04:14 PM

#3038

Marianna,

Very nice - I really enjoyed reading it and you are so right. We are not getting old just getting a whole lot better.

05/01/10 04:44 PM

#3039

Joetta Turpen (Lester)

To all the Pirates that help to keep this site alive, I thank you. Although I don't write very often, I do check in frequently to see what has been happening. For all those who have lost loved ones, my thoughts are always with you, for I too know how it is to lose the ones you love. For those who are celebrating good news, I am happy for your joy. I enjoy vicariously visiting with everyone through the postings... and laugh along with the others at the comedians our class has produced.

Marianna, I especially liked your last posting and that you for sharing it.

Until we see each other again, everyone take care, Joetta

05/01/10 10:58 PM

#3040