Patrice Florio Mincey

So sad that Anthony went head of us, way too young!

When I was just 4 years old, I walked into Mrs. Jones' kindergarten classroom at St. Thomas School, and the first thing I saw was this cute blonde boy. He blushed and looked down, but I sat as close to him as I could, and we started chatting.

Anthony became my very first boyfriend! When Mrs. Jones caught Anthony kissing me in the closet, we had to stay after school! It was SO worth it!

My birthday is 2 days after Christmas , and I remember vividly how he made that 5th birthday so special.

Mo mom and I were sitting in our playroom the day after Christmas. Being a 4 year old in the 50's ,meant you could sit around topless, and that's exactly what I was doing, watching TV and waiting for my clothes to dry. All was quiet until the sound of a car pulling into the driveway and car doors c.losing drew my attention to the window. I was excited out of my mind when I realized it was Anthony and his mother! I scrambled to put on clothes while my mom answered the door. In came Anthony, holding a beautifully wrapped little present. He held it out to me and said, "Happy Birthday! Uh, uh, uh, I mean Merry Christmas!" . As I unwrapped my first-ever gift from a boyfriend, I heard his mother say, "He picked this out himself, he wouldn't let me leave the store until he bought a gift for his girlfriend!". It was a beautiful pearl jewelry set, a spiral bracelet and ring and pendant.

I wore that jewelry until it fell apart. And never have I ever had quite that same feeling again.

Thank you, Anthony, for my sweetest childhood memory. I'll carry it with me always.

Happy Birthday Ann!

Happy Birthday Joanne!

I spent a good portion of our 40th reunion reconnecting with Jo Anne and thankfully got to know her all over again.  I was shocked to hear of her passing and I can only pray that she has now gone to a place of everlasting peace.  I look forward to seeing her on the other side.

Peace and Love,

Patrice Florio