The Class  NEWSLETTER                                                                         09/06/16
         
   

 

 

 

 

MAIL CALL

(Sorry, no mail)

 

**REMINDER**

'68 MINI-REUNION LUNCHEON THIS WEEKEND

12:00 noon

Saturday, September 10

El Viejo Mexican Restaurant

4300 Hwy. 365

Port Arthur, Texas

Restaurant # (409)853-1301

Please RSVP when possible so that the manager

will be able to have appropriate wait staff.

 

Those who have contacted us:

Linda DeCuir and Murphy

Ernie Castaneda and Ron

Marilyn Jackson

Debbie Borres and Raymond

Paula Daigle

Jane Lippincott and Kent

Laura Meece and Bart Darby

Janice Hebert and Barry Boudreaux

Felicia Hiatt and David Petit

Florence “Sissie” Woods

Betty Steck

Carla Castro

Sharon Lewis

Jonnye Dee Doering and Bobby Williamson

Fred McCarty

Mary Wells

Linda Gothia

Shirley Barra

Chrissy Dupuis

Linda Eldemire

Dianne Dupre

Joyce Marceaux and Ronnie

Randy Blanchard

Susan Jackson

Jan Russell

Lizbeth Branick

Janis Hamilton

Pat Trahan and Ray

Loretta LaLonde and Glynn

 

(We hope we will get more responses this week after this reminder.  Check out the list and call friends in the area that aren't on the list that you would like to see again.  See you there.)

 

RSVP:

Marilyn Jackson Williamson     marilynsjw@yahoo.com

Ernie Castaneda Bullion          tbull50@sbcglobal.net

 

WEBSITE DONATION

“Please accept this donation to the tjhs1968.com website fund in memory of Janette Light Norton.  I cannot beileve it has been a year since she passed away.  She was a kind and loving individual who always had more concern and compassion for others than herself.  We could all learn from her example.”

donated by an anonymous classmate

 

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN

Can you believe that even though Murphy and I had tickets to go for the Port Arthur day matinee of JANIS at the Alley Theatre in Houston on Aug. 27, but I was still recovering from surgery and couldn't go, they STILL PUT THE SHOW ON?  We gave our tickets to my niece and nephew so that they could enjoy it!  From what I hear, it was a smash success.  A small committee from the class of '67 got together and planned a social after the show with refreshments and then made plans at a Mexican Restaurant very close by for dinner after the social.  The '68 grads that attended were Shirley Barra, Sharon Gary, Linda Eldemire, Janis Hamilton, Danny Landry, Ernie Castaneda, Phyllis Fett, Fred McCarty, Jack Etheredge, Glenda Patin and Marilyn Jackson. 

(I might have left some attendees out that weren't reported to me.)

 

GRANDKID NEWS      ** (Send me your news for the next newsletter)**

from Gloria (Phillips) and Ricky Bradley

Our oldest grandson, Blake is the flag runner for Mustang High School in Mustang, OK.

 

from Linda DeCuir McFadden

Both of our granddaughters are in middle school this year.  Eight grader, Bailey is the Student Council student body president, plays volleyball and runs track and our 6th grader, Drew made the TexAnns drill team at Henderson Middle School in the Hardin Jefferson ISD in Sour Lake.

 

NEWS FROM THE HOMEFRONT

My sister had her 75th birthday on August 17th.  Her assisted living in Humble gave her a small birthday party on her actual birth date.  Then, her daughter threw her a larger house party in Spring on that weekend.  I was still recovering and wasn't able to travel.  She face timed me and I got to see what I was missing.  I sure wish I had been there.  She had a ball and danced and acted silly and had a great time with balloons and hats, etc.  Then, the next week my niece brought her down here to see me and also visit our 100 year old dad in his assisted living facility in Nederland.  They then came over to see me in Lumberton.  We went to a local diner named Boogie and Tootsies to have a light lunch.  Gerry wore a Happy Birthday hat and everyone who passed would acknowledge her.  We told her she was 45.  She said, “That old?”  I guess demetia isn't so bad after all.  The diner then played Happy Birthday on the speaker sang by a barber shop quartet.  Gerry stood and waved and smiled.  Can't get any better than that.  She thought it was her birthday.  Of course she didn't remember the other two parties.  Who cares.

 

Murphy and my brother, Danny who lives in Friendswood, are in Tupelo (outside of Corsicana) dove hunting on Lynn Eldridge's ranch.  My almost 71 year old brother has never dove hunted.  They aren't back yet so, I don't know if they got any.  I do know that the first evening they went they didn't see any.  You know, it is all about just having guy time.  Just hanging out and doing a whole lot of nothing. 

 

SUPPORT

Mike Soileau

Prayers for Mike's brother, Shawn in Hermann Hospital since Aug. 29.  Brain aneurysm.  He has had some set-backs including spasms.  He has had some better days lately.  We thank you for your prayers and continued support.

 

A letter from Shawn's children:

We are the children of Shawn and Sheila Soileau. We are their support team and are committed to seeing Shawn and Sheila through this trial. Our team consists of Andrea, Nikki, Shawna, Anthony, Jennifer and Celenda. We would like our team to grow so we are reaching out to you for your support.

Shawn is a well-respected husband and father who has proven his love for his family. He has worked hard his entire life to support and lead his family. As he approaches retirement age, Sheila and Shawn have made exciting plans to spend their golden years with their family and friends.

We plan our lives to the way we think we should go but sometimes God wants us on a different path. Unexpectedly, Shawn was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. He was rushed to Houston and has spent the last couple of weeks undergoing surgeries and treatments. We truly believe we have been blessed with the best medical care from his team of doctors. He is very strong and fighting hard to overcome this difficult challenge.

As you know, the greatest medical care comes at a price. Shawn and Sheila are hardworking proud people that would rather give to others than ask for help. We recognize this so we are asking for them. Due to this illness, Shawn cannot continue to work at this time. In order to continue treatments his insurance is having to be paid weekly. His coworkers at RCI have stepped up to the plate and are pulling their resources together to help us pay his insurance. Thank you coworkers!

We are working hard to complete all documentation for programs that will supplement their income during his treatment. We have been informed that the funds will not be available for four to five months. We are reaching out to you for help. They are in immediate need of donations to continue payment of medical costs and minor personal expenses such as utilities and groceries.

We are very appreciative of all of you who have supported Shawn and Sheila. We could not have gotten this far without you. We pray that God will put Shawn and Sheila on your hearts. If you cannot donate money at this time, please remember them daily in prayer. God has definitely used this to bring our family closer together and we would like to see you join Team Soileau. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and be a part of our journey. Let's hit our knees and get them back on their feet!

(If you would like to help you may send your donations staight to Mike Soileau.)

soilm47@aol.com

3223 Hwy 2791

Atlanta, TX 75551      

 

Jeanette Constantine Morgan's mom is back in the hospital battling health issues.  She has been back and forth for months now.   It has been hard on her and her family.  Please show support.

denandjune@yahoo.com

3901 Hwy 366

Groves, TX 77619

 

Charlotte Pace Thurston is at home taking chemo pills to help her with her cancer.  She has had a set back with her cancer returning and metastasizing in her spine.  She is also having to take meds to help with the pain.  Please keep her in your prayers.

cthurston@gt.rr.com

2702 Mazur Dr.

Port Neches, TX 77651

 

Carole Oubre Reeves

I talked to Carole this morning.  She has been in the hospital for 4½ days for acute colitis.  Sounds very painful.  She is doing well now.  Drop her a note.

Carole.reeves@att.net

6535 Jefferson

Groves, TX 77619

 

Ricky Bradley had cancer removed from the top of his head a week ago.  He had cancer removed in a several hour surgery that he said is a “hole the size of a 2 bit piece. The doctor said I'm grounded for the next several days, as in no work of any kind other than utilizing my 205 lb mass to keep this lazy boy from achieving liftoff!” Gloria said the doctor told them all the cancer was removed.

rbradley73064@yahoo.com

9221 SW 99th St.

Mustang, OK 73064

 

Update on Joyce Marceaux Abate's husband

Ronnie went for his 3 month checkup at Methodist yesterday. The cancer is still under control. He is having problems with weakness, and being tired. His appetite isn't that great, but we got some pointers on how to correct some of the problems. He goes back in three months. He is still on the top of the list for his transplant. It has to be the right size liver and same blood type. He is in the hands of God. We are so blessed that he is still with us today. I hope that the prayers continue and we are grateful for all of the support and love that always comes our way. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Love ya'll

abate.joyce@yahoo.com

6305 Marble Falls Dr.

Lumberton, TX 77657

 

Carolyn and Alfred Hebert (faculty)

We are still recuperating from the carbon monoxide, sewer gases and mold. The only sink we have for use is in Alfred's bathroom. If it had not been for my brother suggesting to do an air quality test and then my PT asking if we had considered carbon monoxide we would be dead. At my last ER visit and inpatient episode they had to work hard to save my life. We evacuated Oct. 8th of last year, came back on Jan 31st and had to leave again. It is unreal. We found somebody to do the counter tops in the kitchen and the master bath. The new ones were recently painted. There is so much more to this story.

Thank you for continuing to send me your newsletter. You have the most clear and crisp website.

hawaiistomnd@hotmail.com

 

Ryan Valure, our nephew by marriage, received his new kidney donated by his father a week and a half ago.  He had previously gotten one donated by his mother 12 years ago.  He is doing well and is feeling so much better now that he doesn't have to have 8 hours of dialysis every night.  Thanks for your continued support.

rvalure@gmail.com

5114 Fayette Springs Ln

Fulshear, TX77441

 

update on my spinal surgery

On July 21, I had a Laminectomy on disks L3-S1 where Dr. Angel also found 8 pinched nerves due to spinal stenosis.  The first two weeks were rough in trying to learn to get around while in normal pain from having surgery.  By the end of two weeks I was feeling pretty good.  After that weekend, I had a set- back of having horrendous electrical pains that would shoot from my left hip to the toes  several times a day.  The doctor sent steroids to help with the irritation of the nerves and also pain meds and vitamins to help regenerate the damaged nerves.  This subsided after five days.  Then, I had a good weekend and thought I was turning a corner on getting better.  No, on Monday, August 15, three and a half weeks AFTER the surgery, I started having SPINAL HEADACHES.  Normally they usually start the day or two after spinals or epidurals IF you have them.  Not me.  I had them 24 hours a day IF I raised my head.  This lasted for several days and I am now still having them once or twice a day 19 days later.  When researching spinal headaches, we read that they last an average of 10 -14 days.  I can control mine IF I take a headache pill and lie flat on a recliner or bed or even put my passenger seat in the vehicle all the way down.  I don't drive yet very far when I am the only one in the car.  I am hoping that these headaches quit pretty soon.  I have not been able to walk like the doctor asked me to so that I can strengthen my back muscles that have weakended since the surgery.  It has been 6 weeks now.  I should be DANCING at Larry'sl!

 

Thanks so, so much for the greeting cards (60!!!) and the texts, e-mails and posts on FB.  I hung the cards up in the guest bedroom where I took up residency for the last few weeks.  I love looking at them.  Actually my youngest grand daughter helps me rearrange them when they aren't even.  You don't know how much it has meant to me for all the attention.  You know being the QUEEN means that you need to stroke my ego!   Here is my royal wave.....!

Murphy has enjoyed the food that classmates have brought on and off.  It is always a treat to have something you didn't cook. 

 

Now, Murphy has NEVER EVER been a caregiver.  I think it is against his nature.  But, he has turned into NURSE RACHETT!  He has become a warden.  Oh my heavens.  No wonder my muscles haven't gotten stronger.  “Don't lift that paper sack.  Don't look down.  Wait, let me fix your thousand pillows.  Here are your fourteen ice packs.”   It sure helped when I was in so much pain.  I would never would have believed he could be so caring!!  I am grateful.  Very grateful!!  I could never have gotten as far along as I have without him.  Now, I need to heal and walk and get stronger.  Oh, I forgot something.  I never did throw up.  If I had, Nurse Rachett would have run down the street throwing up himself.  He can't stand to hear anyone gagging or vomiting.

 

CONDOLENCES

(another classmate gone too soon)

Marla Kay Holt Meehan-Aronson

November 25, 1949 – November 15, 2015

 

from Sharon Gary Peters

I've been trying to "find" Marla Kay Holt these past few years and since I don't do FB, I'd try googling her name. I knew she lived in Houston and was teaching there as I had her nephew by marriage many years ago in class when teaching at Lumberton High School.  He told me she lived and worked in Houston. I didn't have a number for her, though. We had lost touch after I moved to Arkansas in 1982. I don't know what happen to her, yet found this obit for her.

Linda, this woman was a dear friend in high school. She was oh so smart, but very arts and crafty as well. She was witty and such fun. I was so shocked to find that she had passed. I just wanted to let you know as I did not see her name on the memorial's list.

(We thank you for sending this in.  Many times it is a classmate that informs Mike and I about another classmate's death.)

 

Richard “Carl” Bodin

Aug. 28, 1948 – Aug. 3, 2016

RIP sweet friend.  Murphy, Stacy and I miss you.  We'll watch and check on Martha (Lipe '69) for you.

cbodin@gt.rr.com

342 Roberts

Bridge City, TX 77611

 

Jenny Rhodes Hamilton

(death of her sister, Sally Rhodes Phillips 66)

August 27, 2016

jenhamilton@live.com

150 Windsor Circle

Lumberton, TX 77657

 

(You can read these obits in the OBITUARIES section on the front page and may find Marla's in the MEMORIAL section for classmates.)

 

 

This is about it for this edition.  I'm sure that I will think of something else AFTER I send this to Mike Lawson to publish.  Please try to make the mini-reunion this next Saturday.  I have never heard anyone that has come to these get togethers that said they weren't worth it.  Try it.  You might like it.  Also, send in something about your grandkids so I can include it in the NEWSLETTER next month.

See you soon.

 

                                 Stay in touch and contact a classmate,

                                 Linda DeCuir McFadden

                                 lindadmcfadden@yahoo.com

                                 www.tjhs1968.com


                      

 
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