Vandy left us in 2007. He was called home. I believe he is still with us in spirit, though. Vandy was a Son, an athlete, a Soldier, a Husband, a Father to Bill, a Teacher, a Coach, a School Administrator and a beloved Grandfather. A Mentor to many of us. He cannot be replaced and He will not be forgotten. He taught us some great lessons thru the years. Live life to the fullest, be trustworthy, be honest and be true to yourself. Strive to be like Vandy. He would like that.
RIP, Vandy!
In 2007, Classmates have lost Parents & siblings. They cannot be replaced and they will not be forgotten. We have lost good friends. We can add friends, but not replace those that we have lost. This is another one of life’s lessons that we all learn. Tough as it is and try as we may, some things, we just cannot change. And speaking of that, We are all turning 60. (Well,maybe not Carol) Some faster than others. Some of us will be 61 before the New Year.
Got together at Indy Echo and Shifty’s in October. What a great time that has been, 3/4 years running… New faces show up every year. Some, we haven’t seen for 40 years. Shifty, Keep that fire burning! IE, stay well!
We have added to our Vandy's Kids line up. Hatchet joined us in '06. After that, it was Up, Down & Charmingly Strange. GB’s sis, Mommanurse joined us. Mr. Legan, What a nice surprise. Great Comments! Joker, glad you have decided to join us…. Asoka, Welcome! HoosierintheSun, I remember Tom well. Welcome. A recent name added - FatMama, Welcome to VK. Our hope is to continue adding to our list of friends. To all - Keep on reading, commenting and posting!
Some of us helped surprise Carol on her 39th (?) birthday. A Night Out was a success. 16 Vandy's Kids and spouses. Some of us learned some new, uh, positions.
Our Spring fishing fiasco was moved to Destin from Galveston. It was Coed this year. FlyGirl added just that right touch. Her Hoosier Boy fit right in as I knew he would. Not a bad fisherman, either.. Did a bang up job on that shark. Or did the shark do a bang up job on him?? Destin was a hit. GreyBeard and Sara Jean were the perfect hosts. Carol and Harry provided the tailgate for the fish fry and Harry – Great Boat, Great Captain and Mate! Good to see you guys again. TopCat and Mrs.TC broke away from the ‘business trip’ to the Bahamas just long enough to spend some time in Destin with us. It seems as if they have to break away from vacation to go on vacation. What a life!
Mr. & Mrs. TC also took time out from their busy vacation schedule and joined GB and Sara Jean, Big Bubba, TD and Cinders for the Vandy's Kids In Paradise trip Nov.1. Another VK, Golden Horse lives in Ewa Beach with her Hubby Ken. Ken works for the Navy. GH and Ken were great hosts. GB, a retired Army Major, was able to secure lodging for all 7 of us at the Navy Lodge on Ford Island. What a grand place that is. Some of the group was able to tour a nuclear powered Submarine and others took a helicopter tour of the active volcano on the big island of Hawaii. On Nov. 1, Golden Girl welcomed us with open arms; By Nov. 8, I suspect she was saying “What was I thinking!” What a great time, though….
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. We certainly have a lot to give Thanks for. The loving support of our Mothers and Fathers, the loyalty of our brothers and sisters, our Children, our Spouses, the many people who have impacted our lives thru the years – names like Tumey, Sloop, the Vandermeers, the Clements, Legan, Hillenburg. Even our communities – Smith Valley, Bargersville, Banta, Mt Pleasant and the Bo Mar addition.
We should give Thanks for the men and women serving in the military. Past and Present - Those far away and those close to home. And Leaders like Major General Umbarger, CG Class of ‘65
Get Ready for a Great 2008. Check Vandy’s Kids often and then check your calendars.
Be There or Be Square!
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6 comments:
TD
Beautifully written and thank you for the gentle reminder of everything we have to be thankful for this year.
I think you covered it all.
It was wonderful to see my classmates and how vibrant and active you all are. What a gift.
Not even on Nov. 8 did I think "What was I thinking," only "where did the time go." That had to be the fastest week in history.
This year I am also thankful that we do live close to so much military and to see how proud these young people are to protect their nation. They are the very reason we can live the way we do.
So, in closing, I wish each and every one of you, Happy Thanksgiving.
I loved reading your post, TD. Vandy is still with us in spirit. I know we'll never forget him or how much we learned from him and Mrs. V. We were so fortunate to know them.
I'm so sorry that I haven't been able to attend Indy Echo's fall mini. I'm hoping to make the spring DDFF...I need to see my classmates.
Happy Thanksgiving Turkeys,
Bo
Very nice wrap-up TD.
It has been such a great experience getting reacquainted with classmates. It's hard to explain the comfortable atmosphere we all feel bein' together now... much more relaxed than in years past.
I'm also glad you mentioned the VK's other than class of '65 that we have picked up along the way. My only regret is that we're not attracting as many of those as we oughta be. We need to take on the "Avis" attitude... gotta try harder!
Those of you reading and commenting here-
thanks for sharing.
And a thought for all-
Make sure anyone remotely related to our VK community is aware they are welcome to join us here.
And Bo...
WHO YOU CALLIN' A TURKEY?
No one is more "chicken" than me!
TD great post. It was a wonderful year so much to be thankful for. The last three or four years has been wonderful to get back with old friends. It seems like only yesterday. I can't believe Thanksgiving already. Everyone have a great Thanksgiving and be so thankful for health, family and friends. We'll TD I need to head for the woods and do a little deer hunting. By the way just got back from Nebraska and got a nice Mule Deer. I actually am working two and half days this week. Sunday after Thanksgiving I'm leaving for Texas to hunt whitetail deer and do some Bass fishing. My son and two other friends going on this trip. Carol tell Harry I can't wait until January. Tell him to have the fish ready.
Sorry GB,
I say, I mean I say, "Happy Thanksgiving FOGHORN LEGHORN!"
Bo
GB, Thats a joke son, I say that's a joke!
Bo
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