Dear Friends,
It has been SIX weeks since I have written a NEWSLETTER! For several years I have written them every TWO weeks when Mike and I would have a website update. Since the class reunion in August, your interest in writing news to me via e-mail has wained. Most of the news I have dug up and reported has been coming from FACE BOOK. I could always write NEWS FROM THE HOMEFRONT and nothing else because there seems to always have something going on here, but I don't think me just writing about MY FAMILY is enough. Mike and I are saddened at the lack of interest in your contributions but there is nothing we can do except just ask over and over. With that off my chest, I'll begin this edition of the NEWSLETTER.
Your longtime friend and supporter of our awesome class of TJ, '68,
Linda
MAIL CALL
from Chrissy Dupuis Mullens in Port Arthur (from FB)
(Mar. 4) This morning in the freezing cold and rain, as I backed out of my driveway to come to work, I saw a robin....how wonderful....a sign of spring!
from Sandra Merrifield (former TJ faculty member)
Thank you so much for keeping me in the loop. I always enjoy looking through your website. Keep up the good work. You are appreciated. An old friend from Port Arthur was mentioning today these two cafeterias that were in business in Port Arthur years ago. I remember going with my mother to Rosenthal's, sometimes to have pie after a shopping trek, and I know we also went to Mrs. Barnes' sometimes, but I don't remember it clearly. Just wondering if you have any memories of these two places....or one out of two. I remember going to the Piccadilly in Beaumont was a big treat. I also would like to see a picture of Reddigs on Procter. Many of our friends hung out there often.
(Any takers on her questions?)
from Paula Iles Restrepo '69 in Dallas
Is Jan. 23 really the last NEWSLETTER? Am I missing something?
(You weren't missing anything. See the note at the top.)
from Janette Light in Cypress, TX (from FB)
(commenting on the television special about the Beatles' 50th anniversary of their Ed Sullivan appearance)
I felt young and old many times this weekend. Mostly, I felt happy. It started with our 44th anniversary, followed by El Paso friends I started my career with in '73, then celebrated with reunion of all those Bridge City junior high teachers back in the day. So, finishing up with Beatles was the photo finish. Where was everyone when they first heard them?? I watched them at home with my parents, listening to my daddy declare they would never be as great as Elvis!! But I HEARD them at a sleepover with Barbara. She had the LP, one of which I had never owned before. I only had 45's.
from Carol Bonin Hammonds in Beaumont
Jan. 26, 2014
Today I went to the web page and read your last update. I just want you to know how much your updates mean to all many of us never share how much you are appreciated.
(Thanks friend. That means a lot.)
NEW ORLEANS TRIP
Well, I sent Dad to a sitter's for the weekend and Murphy, my sister and her daughter and son-in-law and I headed to New Orleans on Feb. 7-9. A good friend was going to be crowned King of the Krewe 
f Excalibur and it was the banquet and procession of his court. It was the first time Murphy and I had any association with the Mardi Gras events in New Orleans. It was wonderful. We rode around, shopped, ate, rode a horse carriage, and ate! Oh yeah, I said that. The event was wonderful. It has been since 2001, at our daughter's wedding, that we have “dressed up”. I needed silver shoes and had three offers from classmates! Joan Moras Carter offered to send her shoes from Charlotte, NC. We didn't have enough time to make sure they would get here.
Lana Olivier Baker in Tulsa, OK sent hers when her daughter from Lumberton visited there. James Miller's wife, Suzanne sent hers from Little Cypress. Suzanne's were the ones I wore since the heels were the height that I needed. I felt like Cinderella all dressed up in evening wear and Murphy in a tux. Obviously, we don't get out much! By the way, my sister whom I mention often, was awesome. She laughed, danced, drove the horses on the carriage and had a wonderful time. I am so happy for her.
WEEK FROM HELL
Monday, February 24-Saturday, March 1 was a week I could have done without. It started with a “catch” in my back right over my kidney that hurt straight through to my stomach. I couldn't get comfortable but it wasn't unbearable! Tuesday started with me taking a ride around the neighborhood on my bike while Murphy stayed with Dad in the house. I made a bad decision when I came back to my driveway and the bike “threw” me off onto the driveway. I skinned my knee, elbow, and wrenched all the shoulder muscles where I landed. I had to crawl to pick up my phone and glasses that were thrown 10 feet from me. I called Murphy in the house and told him to come get me in the driveway. He brought me a walker and promptly said he was SELLING the $500.00 mountain bike! (Oh no he won't!) Did I mention that I didn't have my helmet on? I will from now on. I was all stoved up on the right side and then the spill just caused more pain on the left side that had started Monday. I couldn't move much Wednesday but could tell nothing was broken. I didn't sleep all Wednesday night and was in a rotten mood as morning dawned. It just happened that we had hired a sitter for the FIRST TIME to come to OUR home to give us a few hours to do as we pleased. We planned a luncheon date at Logan's Steak House and a movie. I had an electrode unit on my back to help the “catch” in my back. I was also on muscle relaxers and pain medicine for the pain from the bike accident. Nice date! I had previously told the sitter how easy Dad was to watch. He sleeps a lot in his recliner, watches tv, sits on the patio and watches the birds at the feeder, and EATS! Well, not that day! We get a call from the sitter to tell us that Dad has had a TIA! (Her FIRST time here!) We rush home and by then he is sitting nicely in the recliner and seemed okay. The sitter leaves and Dad promptly has ANOTHER TIA! We call 911 and Dad is transported to St. Elizabeth's ER. He had several tests, including CT scan, EKG, chest xrays, etc. He was diagnosed with TIA's and also AFIB. He is turning 98 next month and has never had a HEART problem. Friday sent me to the Dr. for my pain and shoulder where I got a shot and more meds. Then, we headed to Dad's doctor to get another EKG and exam. The EKG showed “extra beats”. They proceeded to put on a holter monitor which I told them was a bad idea. I was right! He took the monitor out of his pocket 3 times to ask what it was and then proceeded to remove ALL THE LEADS that were attached to his chest in less than 4 hours after we got home. Of course this is a LITTLE less than the 24 hours that was expected. Murphy had had enough of this nonsense by Saturday and left me with Dad. He went Saturday and Sunday to watch the granddaughters play soccer in Atascocita while I moaned and groaned all weekend and Dad slept his life away. At least Monday showed an improvement in the “catch”, Dad seemed a little better and not as wobbly. He now has to go to a cardiologist for this new problem. I guess at 98 something is going to happen if you keep waking up. Dad fell at my niece's wedding in January and even though he didn't break any bones he is really having trouble walking. My shoulder....well, the doctor said that it wasn't the rotator cuff, BUT I think it is something. I think I will probably have to have an MRI somewhere down the line. More later.
MORE NEWS FROM THE HOMEFRONT
We celebrated our 5 year anniversary in our home in Lumberton Saturday. We moved here after evacuating for Hurricane Ike in September, 2008. It took us a few months to decide to move here permanently. We bought the house from the neighbors across the street. It happened to be Joanna Simmons Moreau, a '69 grad. She and her husband, KP are the most wonderful, thoughtful, and gracious neighbors who have become our special friends. We are so blessed to have them close. Of course moving to Lumberton was a no-brainer; our two grandchildren live 10 minutes away. Drew, our 9 year old granddaughter got great news this week. She was in the hospital having kidney surgery when Hurricane Ike hit. She has been on blood pressure medicine since that same summer. The doctor predicted that she would have to stay on medicine for the “rest of her life”. She has now been off of it for 9 months and is doing great!!!! On another note, Murphy had a stress test Wednesday and we will find out the results in a couple of weeks. Fingers crossed. He has 5 stents already in his heart.
SUPPORT
update on Debbie Thompson Saide from her niece (from FB)
Mar. 3, 2014
Debbie is doing well... She asked for a brownie today! She can't have one yet. She is wanting a shower and to walk. In time, we are waiting for labs to come back!!! Pray that the bed sores will heal and that lungs are clear. After we get an all-clear she can move on. Thanks for prayers and support!!!! Her room looked better today... He friend came buy and hung curtains and she has butterfly's hung up... Please pray and continue to visit!!
(Debbie is in a nursing facility in Vidor)
(a note from Darlene Turner Landry) in Port Neches
Mar. 1
I'm not really sure what is going on. I had a walking stress test that the dr. wasn't overly pleased with. The heart cat was just to be routine. Now, I have a stent in my heart and will have to get one in the carotid and three in my left arm! Crazy or what?
gran0901@yahoo.com
from Chrissy Dupuis Mullens in Port Arthur (from FB)
My sister, Donna, completed her treatments Monday! The new technique is pretty awesome as the radiation is put directly in the area where the cancer was. Thanks for all you prayers and kind words. Life is good. She also got great news on Valentine's Day. The biopsy on her right breast was benign.
cmullens@gt.rr.com
BENEFIT for Robert Daigle, tj '76 (brother of Paula Daigle Sheppard)
A Link/Bake Sale & BENEFIT for ROBERT DAIGLE, tj '76, to assist with medical expenses is set for Saturday, March 8, 2014 at Ritter Lumber, Hwy 365, Nederland, Texas from 10 till 2 pm.
Robert Daigle was born in Port Arthur and graduated from Thomas Jefferson high school in 1976. He has spent his life being a part of the Golden Triangle community where he and his wife, Darla raised their three children. On Feb. 17 of 1998 Robert suffered a sudden cardiac death that life flighted him from a local refinery to St. Elizabeth hospital. His family was told no one survived this kind of death and was pronounced clinically dead. While friends and family gathered and began to pray much to the complete shock of the doctors Robert, at the very point of his organs shutting down sat up and began to fight with tubes and wires to get up. He was sedated and the doctors then declared his brain damage would cause him to be a vegetable.
While he did suffer with some brain damage it turned out to be mild and he began trying to get back to the life he knew. He and his family serve in various capacities at Triumph church where they are well known and very active. Working at his previous training, however, proved to be impossible for various reasons and he ventured out to make his own business making and selling homemade burritos to businesses from Orange to mid-county.
However, on Dec. 28, 2013, he began having pains in his right upper abdomen. He was quickly diagnosed with gall stones and set for surgery which took place on Dec. 31, 2013. A week later a rupture in his bowel sent him in for another surgery, and still more complication arose until he was literally clinging to life. A life flight took him to Houston and experts told his wife and children there was little to no hope. Again they prayed for a miracle and clung to every sign he was recovering. God granted them that miracle and Robert is now slowly recovering from what was another near death experience.
This has taken its toll on Robert’s family emotionally, psychologically and financially. While Darla has found full time work, Robert is still in Houston and will probably not be able to do physical work for some time, if ever. They are in need of help.
shepppms@att.net
(a note from Dianne Mannino Landry about Blanca Galvan Daniels '69)
(from FB)
Blanca suffered a stroke February 28 and is in ICU at St. Elizabeth's in Beaumont. She is improving but has lost the vision in one eye. She is still in very ill health. Prayers are needed.
from Jan Russell in Spring, TX
I was in a major car accident 2 weeks ago. A lady broadsided my car - thank goodness on the passenger side. Praise the Lord no one was injured, but I was really shaken up. I've been in plenty of fender benders in my life, but this is the first major accident I've ever been in. Needless to say, I'm driving like an "old lady" now - yielding to EVERYONE! LOL My car was badly damaged, but I'm having it repaired and driving a rental until then. I'm sure my insurance rates will skyrocket, but thank goodness for State Farm. They have been so helpful and understanding. Praising God for His protection.
jlrussell49@comcast.net
An unnamed classmate has been recuperating from an accident that happened the day after Thanksgiving. He is doing better but who couldn't use prayer? I love this guy and wish him the very best of luck and health in the future. He is one in a million. Love you and your family!
OBITUARIES
Robert McClintock's memorial was held on Saturday, Jan. 25th.
(from Fred McCarty)
I attended the Memorial Service for Robert yesterday. The service was conducted by Robert's cousin, Fr. Jim McClintock. I would estimate about 200 people attended and the Grammier-Oberle Chapel was full. Although it was a sad occasion, it was good to see so many TJ Classmates who were able to attend the service, and some also participated in the reception that followed.
Following is a list of classmates that I talked with or recognized: Hal Ross, Beth Anne Sutherlin Coakley, Carol Bonin Hammonds, Janette Light Norton, Jane Lippincott Koerth and Kent, Carole Oubre Reeves & Marvin, Barbara Griffin Anglin, Bill Richey and Rhonda, Tillman Richey and Cheryl, Linda Eldemire, Mary Wells, Linda Gothia, Jonnye Doering Williamson, Gary Hammond & Bev, Carol Babin Prejean & Reed, Gaylon Jones, Wade Miller, Webb Draughon, James Siragusa, Jackie Catalina, Johnny Vasquez, Pat Trahan Knox & Ray, David Elliott, Frank Mirabella, Mary Ann White, Sharon Trahan LaBove, Darrell Richerson, Alan Foley, Janis Hamilton, and Dale Netherland.
I am sure I have missed some people or did not recognize others as being one of our TJ 1968 classmates. My apology to anyone I missed.
(Thank you so much for sharing this. I was heartbroken to miss it but I could not miss my niece's wedding in Houston at the exact time.)
(another note from Carol Bonin Hammonds about the Memorial)
Just a note to let you know I missed seeing you yesterday at Robert’s memorial. It brought back so many memories.
February 21, 2014
from David Salter in Oklahoma City, OK
Dear T.J. buddies,
It saddens me to let you know that Bev and I lost our precious dad, O. L. Salter, Jr., this evening in the Fort Worth area. In recent months, Daddy had two hospital stays as he battled congestive heart failure and was currently in the rehab facility of a skilled nursing care center. Mom, Bev, my wife Lana and I were with him as he peacefully breathed his last and made the transition to his forever home with his Lord. Though I look forward to seeing him again, I will truly miss my hero, faith/life mentor and friend.
Daddy always enjoyed keeping tabs on you close friends from PA and particularly enjoyed the stories and pics from the reunion last August. Seeing the pics from PA which I took as Fred and I drove around the area on the reunion weekend Saturday sparked some fond memories for him and Mom of the wonderful years in P. A.
I hope this finds all of you doing well. Your friendship is a cherished gift!
desalter@sbcglobal.net
A note from Jan Russell about the death of Joe Pinell's sister, Cheryl)
I just wanted to pass along the news that Cheryl Pinell, Joe's older sister, passed away this week. She had been living with and taking care of her 94 year old father, C.J. Pinell. A neighbor came over and asked C.J. where Cheryl was. They found her passed away in bed. Doctors think it was an aneurism. They are planning a memorial service sometime next week, as soon as Cheryl's grandson, who is stationed in Alaska with the military, can return home. Please pray for Joe and Cheryl's father, C.J. Pinell. He is not able to care for himself. At this point his grandchildren are planning to take turns staying with him, but they live out of town.
Susan Hardcastle Beaty
(death of her mother, Maxine Hardcastle)
13406 Blythenia Rd
Phoenix, MD 21131
shbeaty@verizon.net
I would love to write another NEWSLETTER in two weeks. Will you help me do that by contacting me or Mike? We would certainly appreciate it.
Stay in touch and contact a classmate,
Linda DeCuir McFadden
lindadmcfadden@yahoo.com
www.tjhs1968.com