I would first like to thank Bill Irwin for the weekly e-mail and the constant request for our Bio’s. And Mary Crothers, it was her aunt who found me through Bower Hill Community Church where my Mom worked 50 years ago, amazing how we are all connected somehow & some way!

Then, I want to thank each one for sharing their joys and tears and reminding me of the images of home. It is the power of each Bio that I have read and learned about the goodness of lives built and accomplishments made by our Mt. Lebo class ’72 that has been spread throughout the world, in little ways and some big. This has encouraged me to return to PGH, and to search myself on what the past 40 years has meant to me! I started my identity reflection.

That first e-mail was a shock, to see my High School picture. I hated it so much I never bought it! After so many moves, I still don’t know where my yearbook is packed. But the first thing I realized, I could pronounce everyone’s full roll-call name, just like yesterday. To think of High School is hard for me. Two of our classmates are gone. I was a bridesmaid for Carol Deitz, and her loss is a tragedy. And Ronnie Sunceri picked me up each morning in his yellow corvette. It was a wonderful fun way to start the day. It is sad that he too is gone, far too young. Now I am trying to pause in remembrance and respect for all; and enjoy each day for its gift. I remember the football games, I wasn’t a cheerleader or in the band. But they were an adventure I remember well. Sylvia Harding’s Mom pierced my ears and I’ve had earrings ever since, thank you. Boo, your friendly spirit and pool invite was another highlight of my high school memories.

I was to off to college at West Virginia Wesleyan College started in nursing, ended with a MRS. Degree. Moved to the Washington DC area, worked in the dental field. After 4 years, moved to”Country Roads” West Virginia, had my first child, a girl. Then moved to “Rocky Mountain High” Colorado and had a baby boy. Yes, I lived both of the John Denver Songs! My children, like everyone else Bio’s I have read, added to my biggest growth, joy and challenge. Mt. Lebo launched me, but raising 2 kids, new lessons, I was just beginning to learn what life has to offer. My daughter is living in Boise Idaho, with 3 children. My son is an international corporate jet pilot with 1 ½ kids in Hartford CT. By Feb. 2013 that will be 5 grandkids for me! Yeah!

Moved back to Washington, DC and I started an embroidery business, sold that after 10 years, and joined United Airlines, got my Flight Attendant wings and am still flying 17 years, going for 20 yrs. I am based in DCA and enjoy flying around the world in a week.

My hobbies are many. I pretend I am like Martha Stewart; I knit, garden, cook and practice my yoga. I enjoy it all, and try my best. I’ll never make a magazine. My grandchildren’s sweaters I make might have different length sleeves, but they think it is grand, & just like magazine cover. My husband thinks my cooking is a 5 star, even if the chicken might be darker on the bottom than the top! My garden grows; sometimes, between the deer and weeds. We might even have lettuce and a tomato. But, husband is right there to drive me to the Farmers Market. For me, it is the joy of trying and learning. The reward is the appreciation from those we love. My husband gives me a kiss; sometimes or my children/grandchildren smiling faces. Isn’t that what our teachers really wanted us to learn?

I’ve include my favorite lifetime photo. Robert and I were married in 2008. I get to add to the family tree 2 step children. So I might be the oldest new bride at the re-union. Joy of a 2^nd chance is worth celebrating. So, to Paul Josephson, I married a fellow MIT alum. I hope you get to meet this fabulous man who has added so much to my life. He likes Maine lobster too!

So what have I learned since Mt. Lebo’72? Life is difficult, but with effort and work, help from good friends and love from your family it is rewarding. This earth is a beautiful place to be, each town I have traveled to has something unique and special to offer. Each person I meet has something to teach me, some good and some bad, but I have discovered I learn from both. I have been blessed sharing in the world’s beauty.

I look forward to saying hello to my new “old” friends, on Saturday.