MAIL CALL
I received the sweetest note from Roy Dale Birkelbach. He took my advice to “contact a classmate” when he saw the picture we posted of Fred Hollier, Jr and his late sister, Joanna Hollier Schmidthke. He decided to reach out to him and they talked for two hours!!!! I am so, so happy that someone finally listened to me.
You two make me smile!
Roy Dale Birkelbach
squiggy812@sbcglobal.com
Fred Hollier, Jr
sonahollier@gmail.com

ST. MARY HOSPITAL CLOSING
July 16
This morning close to 300 people attended the Mass of Remembrance at St. James Catholic Church and over 200 people attended the public reception meal in Kirwin Hall afterwards. Several of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI) came in from Houston to attend this event as well as former Hospital Chaplain Fr. Don Donahue who came in from Fort Worth with his sister Mary Mulcay. This was final Mass for old St. Mary Hospital that will officially cease operations and close the facility on Thursday, July 18, and soon afterwards the entire complex will be demolished.
Christus Healthcare St. Mary at Mid County will continue to serve Port Arthur at its location at Ninth Avenue and FM 365.

Barry Boudreaux, Mike Lawson, Robert McClintock and I were all in the incubators together at St. Mary's between May 4-6, 1950. Being the only girl, I guess I was the PROM QUEEN BEE!!!!

TJ '68 50th REUNION
Can you believe it has been exactly ONE YEAR AGO this weekend that we put on a doozy of a get-together? I smile when I think about it. So many of you attended and many wish you would have. I'm sure that we will have a 55th but some thoughts put forth are that we might have a one night party next time. We'll see.
Be sure to reminisce by looking at the reunion photos found at the top of our website page. Let me know if you have problems seeing them.

70th BIRTHDAY PARTY?
There is a little bit of buzz going on about possibly having a class “70th birthday” party maybe next spring. What do you think? The reunion committee won't be in charge of the ones to plan it, but if several of you want to get together and get something going, then let me know. I'll get the news out.

50th ANNIVERSARY of MOON LANDING
July 20, 1969. So long ago. I recorded many documentaries on several different tv channels last week. I got goose bumps watching every single one listening to such urgency in some of the messages. Also, I teared up many times watching the astronauts in action. I even got a kick out of the clothes that we had been wearing just as we got out of high school.

MUCH NEEDED SOFTWEAR
Mike has been working on changing and updating our website for the last year or more. It has been over 5 years since some of the major softwear has been changed. Some things that Mike has been working with have been outdated for quite awhile and not being able to be used anymore. So, therefore I just sent him a substantial amount from our website account to purchase the updated technology. Don't even ask me what it is. I'm just the messenger. I don't talk “tech”! I just know how to talk and type.

DO YOU LIKE GETTING OLDER?
Shared by Jan Russell on FB
jlrussell49@att.net
As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world, too soon; before they understood the great freedom of aging.

Whose business is it, if I choose to read, play on the computer until 4 am, or sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50's, 60's, 70's, and if I chose to, at the same time, weep over a lost love, I will.

I will walk the beach, in a swimsuit stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves, with abandon, if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They too will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And, I eventually will remember the important things.

Sure, over the years, my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break, when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when a beloved pet passes? But broken hearts are what give us strength, and understanding, and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine, sterile, and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs etched into deep groves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been or worrying about what will be. And I will eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MEMORIES
no submissions

BOOGIE KINGS
The Boogie Kings will be performing at the Honky Tonk Texas in Silsbee on Saturday, August 10 from 9pm – 1am. Admission is $10.00 at the door. Watch their online website to see if they decide to sell early tickets. You can also find Honky Tonk Texas on Face Book. I have noticed several from the class of '70 planning on going and some from our class, also. Hope to see you there. .

NEWS FROM THE HOMEFRONT
June 20, 1970 (FIRST DATE)
This was not only the wedding of two of my best friends', Janice Hebert and Barry Boudreaux, but it is also the day when Murphy and I had our first date. We went to see Paint Your Wagon at the Twin Cinema on 36th Street and then to the Pizza Inn on 16th Street. So, this year for our 49th first date anniversary, we went to Port Neches to the only Pizza Inn left in our area. It is still run by Donny Broussard who had it on 16th Street. He was there and came by and visited while we told him “our story”. He was kind enough to offer to comp our meal but we declined. (We wouldn't have declined a free meal 49 years ago, though!!!!) It was fun reminiscing with him and it made it more special. Our date wasn't any different from many of yours. It was special though, since it did start our life together. I was just finishing up my sophomore year at Lamar. Murphy, who graduated from TJ in '67, was a year ahead of me at Lamar. I had heard his name at TJ but didn't know him. My mom told me to go to the Newman Catholic Center on campus and find me a “nice Catholic” boy. I met many friends there who hung out playing cards and just enjoyed meeting new people. Yep, I fell for Murphy there. OOPs.....he was a LUTHERAN. Oh well.
July 28, 1973 (WEDDING DAY)
Three years later. I had just completed my first year of teaching in the West Orange-Cove ISD and Murphy had begun to work in the compound department at the Texaco in the spring. Murphy's Lutheran mom was not happy that her son was marrying a Catholic. I had to work to win her over. Our wedding was held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lakeview. The reception was held at the Department Club on Lakeshore Dr. Our honeymoon was in Houston so that we could watch an ASTROS game. Go figure. Oh yes, we have had our woes over the years but that has made the good times even more special. Like Murphy wrote on his handmade anniversary card one year, “Well, it has been different.” He has put up with a lot from this old Cajun Catholic who is always RIGHT! It is a DeCUIR thing, right Murf? We have both had medical issues over the years but have paved our way through. We have lost our home to Hurricane Ike and have had lots of drama in the extended family that makes it tough. We have paved our way through. My wish is that we will share many more blessed years together. Last year, on our 45th anniversary, we celebrated with 350 of our “CLOSEST” friends at the dance for the TJ, class of '68's 50th reunion. This time are celebrating our 46th anniversary this weekend going to a dance at the Knights of Columbus hall in Bridge City. The same hall that Murphy goes to for meetings once a month. Yep, he turned Catholic after 45 years of marriage. Not because I asked. No, he made that decision on his own. Momma was right to send me to the Newman Center, after all. I hope his mom is smiling down from heaven. Love you, MawMaw Mac.
July 2-6
Murphy and I, along with 27 others, went camping in our 4 RV's on the Guadalupe River in New Braunsfel. This is a tradition that we have been doing for the past 35-40 years. We stay at the River Road Camp and always reserve the same spots. It is a lot of fun and we have watched the kids all grow up and now their kids that are also growning up. The weather wasn't too hot this year and the water was running “good”.
WE GAVE IN
We finally broke down and joined Planet Fitness and we are really “enjoying” it. We are planning a vacation in September that will probably require lots of walking and climbing stairs which are a problem for me. So, I have been trying to get some stamina built up and working on strengthening my knees and legs. Cross your fingers, toes and eyes that it works. Wish me luck.

SUPPORT
about Ronnie Abate (Joyce Marceaux's husband)
Thanks everyone for your prayers, comments, messages, and text for my dad. All we know is he has double pneumonia and sepsis... his very low blood pressure has slowly risen today, he has breathing treatments and breathing assistance through out the day and sporadic heart-rate, his liver and kidney levels are good but he is very confused, agitated, and still have fever and too much fluid in his lungs and abdominal. They are running every test to rule out everything and to make sure they know where the infection started. Keep praying! Thanks so much.

Ok, my friends and family. The doctor came by today with a report on Ronnie. He is still considered to be in critical condition because of him having double pneumonia. Since his body has already has a low immune system besuse of his transplant, his body will have to take it's time because of the pneumonia to heal. He will have to be on antibiotics, fluids, breathing treatments for a while still. So we will be in Houston for at least another week. Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes. Love to all.

Just an update on Ronnie. Thank you all for your prayers. They worked another miracle for him! On Sunday when he got her to Methodist by helicopter , he was very close to not making it! But by the grace of God and everyone’s prayers, he is still with us today. Even the doctors are amazed. If everything continues on this course, the lung doctor will release him on Monday to go home. Again, everyone thank you for your prayers . We love y’all and we thank God for everything HE has done for us! Amen!

from Ronnie
Well all I can say thank you my Sweet JESUS my savior and all the good people and Priests and families in FB land for praying for me...I Love all of my people out there.....Just like I told Rhonda the other day...One of these day my LORD is going to take me with HIM instead of letting all of you good people pray for me … Love all of yall, Ronnie
abate.joyce@yahoo.com
6305 Marble Falls Dr.
Lumberton, TX 77657

from Shari Louvier Parker
June 24
I have broken my fidbvbi in my ankle and I am in terrible pain and can’t walk.
July 9
Well no news is good news, but not here. After I broke my right angle I fell 3 weeks later and broke my hip. Right hip. Had surgery and 14 days of rehab. Still in pain and on walker. I just got home today. Please pray for my pain and healing and strength.
sharipar@yahoo.com
2785 CR 3103
New Boston, TX 75570

Pat Trahan Knox wrote,
The count down has begun. I can't have anything after 12:00 midnight Sunday, July 28. Ray and I have to check in at St. Elizabeth outpatient center at 6:15 a.m. I hope this goes smooth. I haven't damaged my cornea on my right eye like I did on my left, which still is scratchy. Within a few weeks, I should be able to get a new prescription for glasses to correct my astigmatism in both eyes. I will be so glad when this is over!! Then I have to decide whether or not to have the 3rd surgery on my hand. I'm 69 years old and hate to have anesthetic when my situation is not medically necessary.
patknox@hotmail.com
925 Brandywine St.
Beaumont, TX 77706

Bart Darby wrote:
Laura had carpel tunnel done on left hand 6 week ago. Her cast is off and she is doing better.
I was in the hospital June 1 at 1 am in the morning through June 3rd, Laura’s birthday, with a bowel obstruction. This was my first ambulance ride from Memorial Hermann convenient care to MH Katy Hospital,. I was on IV only until they started me on a clear diet to see if the condition would fix itself. They think it was caused from scar tissue caused from my umbilical hernia repair surgery in 2017. All was well on June 3rd, and I was released from the hospital with no surgery.
Now to my paralyzed diaphragm issue. I had a second opinion from a different neurologist (Dr. Kristin Brown) at Memorial Hermann Medical Center on July 8. She had ordered a MRI of my neck and found problems with C3 thru C7 disc which could have caused my phrenic nerve palsy. Waiting on surgeon referral to fix disc problem. She also did an EMG Study to rule out any neurological issues. She found that I did not have any issues. And, also that I do not have neuropathy as previously determined by another neurologist.
Then, I will probably be going to New Jersey for phrenic nerve reconstruction with Dr. Kaufman. He has done over 400 such surgeries and no one in Houston does this procedure.
dar5207@yahoo.com
lauradarby49@yahoo.com
24606 Heirloom Ln.
Katy, TX 77493

Mikey Varing is recovering from gallbladder surgery.
varingmichael32@gmail.com
749 Queen's Court
Port Arthur, TX 77642

Jeanette Constantine Morgan's sister-in-law, Debbie Morgan is recovering after being in critical condition due to health issues. She is doing better and is in a rehab facility gaining her strength back. Also, Jeanette's husband, Dennis Morgan is recoupering from an automobile accident.
denandjune@yahoo.com
3901 Hwy 366
Groves, TX 77619

Continue to pray for Charlotte Pace Thurston as she bravely and quietly battles her ongoing cancer issues.
cthurston@gt.rr.com
2702 Mazur
Port Neches, TX 77651

CONDOLENCES
Diane Barker Foreman (death of her sister, Patricia “Trish” Barker Koziuk) November 4, 1955 – July 15, 2019
dianeforeman@gmail.com
]5541 Garfield
Groves, TX 77619

Frank Mirabella
(death of his son, Dustin Mirabella)
August 5, 1981 – July 22, 2019
Memorial Service 3 -4 pm July 28, 2019
Forest Park East Funeral Home
21620 Gulf Freeway
Webster,TX 77598

Reception 4-6 pm July 28, 2019
Forest Park East Funeral Home
21620 Gulf Freeway
Webster, TX 77598
fmirabella50@yahoo.com
5514 Longmont Houston, TX 77056

Take the time to support the classmates and their families who are mentioned in this newsletter or on the website. Tell us what you think of this communication. Help us to make it more interesting and informative.

Stay in touch and contact a classmate,
Linda DeCuir McFadden
lindadmcfadden@yahoo.com
www.tjhs1968.com

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