[2009] Hello from Lois Linderman Vaughn

I will be thinking of you all this weekend.  [40th Reunion]   It doesn't seem possible that it has been 40 years and that I have been away from Ashtabula for 35 of those. After my folks moved down here (Louisville KY area) in about '86 I think I have only been back up to the lake shore about 2 times.

I had just divorced at the time of the last reunion I attended (20th) and never remarried. I retired 3 years ago after teaching at the primary level for 30 years. (also had 3 years of sub work in between my one Ohio year and getting hired full time down here. But when I did get on, I stayed in the same school for the next 29 years. About half the time in kindergarten, the other years in first or 2nd.

Now that I am retired, I help my folks when they need it. Am blessed that they are still in their own condo even after some serious things. Mother is 84 and Dad is 92.  If the trip to NEO wasn't so long I would have come to the reunion and brought them to visit friends, but it is really too much for them now.

After retirement I sold my house and bought a condo.  I have one son who had his 10 year reunion a few weeks ago. He is a corrections officer at one of our local prisons.   I spend my time volunteering in reading at the school I taught in, doing things at church and literary club. I am also a CASA, court appointed special advocate, and am working with a family with 2 young children. When not doing those things, I am also very involved in prison ministry. The last 2 years I have participated in evening worship services and 3 day seminar type events at 5 different prisons that are within 10 miles of me.  Four of them are mens facilities and one is a womens'.  I love doing this and feel that I get blessed every time I go inside the walls, but also say a little prayer every time I'm again on the outside.

Well, friends, that is what has been happening with me. Hope you all have a good time, and would love to hear from you. I'm on Facebook so drop me a friend request if you are also on there or send an email. Take care and blessings to all of you.    

~ Lois
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