Janice Griffith Reynolds

Posted on: Dec 06, 2020 at 8:47 PM

Posted on: Jun 26, 2015 at 8:13 AM

Never could I be a cheerleader, but I was president of the HPHS PEP CLUB! I am here to cheer the HPHS reunion committee on for the next big event. I would love the monthly luncheons, but the seventieth birthday party sounds so wonderful to me. I have been very ill. So far in 2015. I have spent a total of 78 days in five area hospitals, three ICUs, 15 days of being on Life Support. I have had home health care all other days. I hold gratitude in my heart for all of the medical teams and God to still be alive. The best password that I have been ever given is GRACE. I write this, not for sympathy nor pity' but so that you might rejoice in your good health. I missed five kindergarten days at Highland Park Central school and then NO MORE all of first until college. I did not miss any classes in college. I did get married in college, but that just sped me up to finish sooner. I graduated in three years and then started teaching in Topeka Public Schools with Lafayette being my first school. I did not miss teaching days either until after my two wonderful children were born in 1969 and 1972. THEN I had substitutes. I did not want to be away from home while my home children were home and ill. I wanted to be with them every minute that I could be. I was able to squeeze in my Masters of Education and a Reading Specialist degree completing them before younger child was born. Being able to encourage children to learn and to have fun everyday at my job; was great. Forty-two years of teaching before becoming ill and retiring earlier than I wanted. Things went DOWN HILL after acquiring vertigo at age 55. I was Ms. Fitness Queen in our family. With frequent falls and several broken bones, things were out of control. Falling with first graders in tow felt like failing. Forced to retire early in 2007---UGH. Too sick due to brain injuries from several unexpected falls. My excellent health has been replaced to being ill more than well. I do not wish ill health on anyone. Teaching has been my favorite thing to do other than being a mom Challenging and rewarding all at the same time. I taught piano lessons, private enrichment and remedial lessons through tutoring, homebound and home based students. I am finding retirement overrated. I know it is because I am in poor health. I am never bored, but I am isolated. Facebook and Twitter are excellent resources for me to stay connected. I have remained an active member of Methodist churches. Highland Park United Methodist as my home church still holds my member ship, Joining Church of the Servant United Methodist church in Oklahoma in 1982 was wonderful for our family. I am keeping that spot as well, but on this past Father's Day; I joined an nearby small Methodist church that I love. We attended many different churches in Arizona, but never found one of them right for all of us. I did not mention grandchildren as I have bloodline grandchildren and then I have bonus grandchildren and great grandson. Two actual grandchildren on paper, but more in my heart. Grandbabies are starting with bonus kids. How fun is that???
I would like to restate that my telephone is listed incorrectly in the reunion book. It has never been that one. My telephone number is 405 607-6332. My email address is sunflowerjgr@cox.net . I am on Facebook and Twitter. My address is 13504 Princeton Lane, Edmond, Oklahoma 73013.

May all of you know that I think of so many of you so often. I love going through the yearbooks. I love reading profiles, notes, etc. Yearbook committee, you are marvelous. I hope to see you for our SEVENTH DECADE party. God bless each of you with good health.

As always, Janice Gay Griffith Reynolds

Posted on: Dec 30, 2014 at 10:49 AM

Mike, so good to see you now. Our last names kept us close with lockers, programs, yearbook, etc. You were one of my favorite people at Highland Park. You have provided a mystery with a blank biographical page. I imagine that there is just so much too tell that you could just not decide what and since you are humble; how could you answer those questions? I am sorry that I did not get the answers in person. Here is a wish for you and your family to have a very happy new year. Janice Griffith Reynolds

Posted on: Dec 18, 2014 at 3:34 AM

Unfortunately, I was out of pocket for the well created reunion. I am loving the photographs. I loved Highland Park High School. I have great appreciation for those that worked so hard for the class. It has been brought to my attention that a phone number has been linked to me. It is incorrect as I have never had that number. I live in Edmond, Oklahoma. My phone number is 405-607-6332. Email address is sunflowerjgr@cox.net Hoping to iron out the wrinkles, so that I can join all of you for the seventh decade birthday party. Light those candles! As always, Janice

Posted on: Aug 17, 2014 at 10:04 AM