Gayle Laurene Thomas (Reed)

It's Thanksgiving Day 2024. I've been in Dublin Ohio 10 years now. This stage or season of life is different from the previous ones. Is it age? Where I am? Who I spend time with? And the memories are fading I'm sorry to say! The kids asked last night about special celebrations when I was growing up. All Mom's family lived south of Cleveland so we didn't see them this time of year. BUT what was great about last night was sitting around the table and talking and playing cards. Mom and I used to play cards and eat cheese and I drank pop! That memory sticks with me!!! And I think these 'table time' moments whether complete with old memories or just observing the love and interaction of others will last a life time!!! Until next time...

Love, Gayle

Gayle Laurene Thomas (Reed)

January 14

As we celebrate birthdays this month and also begin hearing about friends who have passed, I wanted to get on our site and say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ALL of YOU for your birthday this year.

I know I'm older than many of you, but am not the oldest! But this year for me will be 80 years. I can remember seeing a relative who was 40 and thinking she was old. I was 12. What did I know?

I've outlived my mother who died at 78. And my father at 49. I don't know what's next but I do know our class has been fortunate to have stayed connected all these years!!!

Sending blessings and peace as we celebrate birthdays and all the events where we gather with family and friends! Sending love and hugs to all of you!!! Happy Birthday in 2025!!!

Love, Gayle

Gayle Laurene Thomas (Reed)

January 26

I listened again to the video Michael posted of Jelly Roll and I'm Not Ok. You really have to listen to the whole song. Especially to the line But It's All Gonna Be Alright!!!

Sending prayers of blessings and peace to all of us as we move through our lives. It's really hard some days. But if we support each other so we know we're not alone, we can get through!!! My favorite visual is locking arms (at the elbows) with other people. It makes me feel like the person on either side of me will help hold me up when I start to lose my balance!!! That's what God would have us do. And it doesn't get any better than that for me!!!!!

Love, Gayle

Michael Herbert Hart

I'm now with you Gayle in one sense.  I'm in assisted living.  This past year and a half I had cancer, broke my back, broke my hip and had a massive heart attack.  I coded out and died but they brought me back.

I feel there is some reason I'm still here.  My children and grandchildren for one.  Be kind to everyone.  Cherish friends.  Maybe the reason will come as I look over the River Jordan waiting for those angels to carry me home.

Godspeed and blessings to everyone.

Judith Allyn (Judy) James

Mike,   Reading your post brought back memories -- recall days of being in classes with you, enjoying friendship  that still brings a smile to my face!,  Amazing how well the brain anchors on some moments in time!  Glad you are in a place that can meet your needs. Tough challenges, for sure. May you be blessed with hugs from those near and far, you are admired for just being you. Take care.  Judy James

Judith Allyn (Judy) James

Mike,   Reading your post brought back memories -- recall days of being in classes with you, enjoying friendship  that still brings a smile to my face!,  Amazing how well the brain anchors on some moments in time!  Glad you are in a place that can meet your needs. Tough challenges, for sure. May you be blessed with hugs from those near and far, you are admired for just being you. Take care.  Judy James

Judith Allyn (Judy) James

Gayle,  You have been such a good like to FHS through out all these years. Thank you for sharing your journey, always with a big smile!  Those years in Fairborn - 5th through 9th grade - have been my anchor to community. 
Treasure the memories of many friends, getting chicks at the library at Easter, marching in the 4th of July parade, and visiting the monkey at Foy's!  Best wishes as we all look back, as we move forward on our life path.  Judy James

Michael Herbert Hart

Thank you so much Judy.  We can never go home again to our youth but there is a gentleness in the mind of the yesteryears.  Wishing you all the best in health and many blessings to you and yours.  Take care lady.

Gayle Laurene Thomas (Reed)

January 30

Mike, It doesn't sound like God is finished with you yet!!! Thank You God for Mike!!!

To all of us, may we stay connected with our loved ones. We don't know how long we have and at our age we shouldn't put off staying in touch or reconnecting with loved ones.

Blessings and peace to all of you!!!

Love, Gayle

Gayle Laurene Thomas (Reed)

March 18

Checking in after recent fall. Nothing broken that I know. But right shoulder really sore. Am doing exercises and walking and will see Orthopedic doctor on March 24. Praying that nothing is broken or requires surgery. 

Sending prayers that we all be watchful of where we step. Slow down. As I stare across the room at something I want and have the urge to walk to it, I STOP. Is whatever it is worth falling and ending up starting this recovery process all over again. I DON'T THINK SO!!!

That said, my recreational therapy before leaving rehab was cardio drumming. A large medicine ball on top of laundry basket. So with drumsticks and some really Kool 60's music, we beat the drums in time to the music. I thought of our class and realized we're not done yet!!! THANK YOU GOD!!!

Love, Gayle

Elizabeth Jane Eden (Benton)

gayle,good to hear you are doing well!!!   eliz  life is very different with  jerry gone!!!  take carw ,.love you eliz

Gayle Laurene Thomas (Reed)

March 24 – MRI Results

I have a torn rotator cuff. The Doctor believes that PT for 6-8 weeks will strengthen the shoulder so that I can get back to most everything. I am free to drive now. I drove around the complex to check it out. Opening car doors on a gusty day is a challenge. Turning the steering wheel and shifting gears is a slower process. I will take the walker with me for a while in case I need support while I’m out or to get from the carport back inside. 

Jeremiah 30:17 For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal declares the Lord.

Sending prayers that we know where our strength comes from!!! Thank You God!!!!!

Love, Gayle

Elizabeth Jane Eden (Benton)

gayle,stay strong girl!!!  Eliz

Gayle Laurene Thomas (Reed)

June 26

Good afternoon,

I have been thinking about the Mini Reunion a lot lately with the loss of more classmates. Memories are so clear for some of them. And then I can't believe how long ago we were in school. I took my oldest granddaughter out to lunch this week. She moved into a ministry house yesterday and does not plan on living with her parents going forward even in the summers.

I'm sorry but I will not be coming to the Mini on Tuesday. I went to the hip surgeon yesterday and the x-ray brought up two questionable areas that weren't there last year. I will have an MRI tomorrow that will hopefully guide the doctor for next steps. I am to take it easy while we wait for answers.

Sending blessings and peace to you all. Enjoy the time catching up with each other.

Love, Gayle

Dennis Morgan (Denny) Brown

Very sorry to hear this!  Take care!

Gayle Laurene Thomas (Reed)

July 2

The hip surgeon called. The MRI showed no break! But there is worsening osteoarthritis. I was ELATED to hear the news!!! Am taking low doses of Tylenol and Advil. And will try dry needling PT soon.

How was the Mini? Did everyone get to catch up with everyone there? Did you take a photo?

Blessings and peace to all of us as we move forward. 

Love, Gayle

Gayle Laurene Thomas (Reed)

July 8

Good afternoon,

I just got a note from Chuck Evans' wife, Jeni. She said he had just finished his volunteer shift at the hospital when he had a massive stroke. She closed with thank you for reaching out.

Sending prayers to all of us as we move through this time. I love you all! And have some wonderful memories of things we did in school!! Our town and time are special. The number of residents in Fairborn at one time was 33,000. Columbus is too big, but Dublin is okay. We grew up in the 60's and got to dance and listen to some great music. I still enjoy the Ed Sullivan reruns of the Really Big Shows he had on tv!!!

I don't dance any more, but I love to listen to the music. And REMEMBER. 

Blessings and peace until next time.

Love, Gayle

Michael Herbert Hart

Well said Gayle..  We grew up in a special time and place,

Peace to all.

Gayle Laurene Thomas (Reed)

August 20

I LOVED Kathy's story about the old people crashing the Mini!!! My son told me recently I look my age. A woman in our Bible study today guessed me at 68!!! I think she needs glasses!!!

I recognized almost everyone!!! And I'm SURE you all had a good time!!!

Blessings and peace as we move ahead! I think there are a few others who will join me in turning 80 before New Year's!!!

Love, Gayle

Elizabeth Jane Eden (Benton)

gayle, happy birthday!!!!  i turn 79 this year!!!   eliz

Gayle Laurene Thomas (Reed)

Good afternoon

I'm working on sending birthday messages to a few friends. Then I thought about how old they are. 

And then I thought about all of us. We should celebrate our 'old' because with it comes lots of memories and sharing of life experiences. The things we've done together over all these years!!! I don't hear stories like ours from others I meet in Dublin and around Columbus.

Sending Greetings to us all for a very Special Year and hopefully more to come. I know we've lost a few recently!!! I pray their families have lots of memories that make them laugh as well as cry. 

Blessings and peace to all of us. Sending lots of love from Dublin to Fairborn and far beyond!!!

Love, Gayle

Sandra Holland (McHugh)

I spent the first eight years of my life in Southeastern Kentucky.  In the summer of 1951, my mother ordered dresses from the Sears catalog preparing for my first year of school.  However, first grade was very crowded that year, and because my birthday was in October, I was sent home and told to report the next year.  That is why I may be the oldest member of the class of 1964 and will celebrate my 80^th next week.  I am the result of my life experiences, and I’m very happy at 80.  Would I feel differently if I had been a member of the class of 1963?

Eloise Klein (Hoyt)

Sandra - What an interesting story.  We are very glad that you were in the class of '64.  Eloise

Louisa (Jane) Donaghy (Amstutz)

Just to let you know, my husband graduated from Fairborn in 1963, and they don't do anything.  I'm not even sure they have reunions, or maybe they do and he just doesn't go because we live in Virginia.  But the class of 1964 is much more communicative and connected.  1964 is a great class!

Zoe Shoop (Shade)

I just went through the past posts from classmates. Gayle, even though you moved away from us, you have continued to keep us close. Thank you, you are appreciated! It would be interesting to see how many of us are bionic (and how many times: I have both hips and one shoulder replacements), and have heart and other organs repaired. We won't discuss osteoporosis!! It is sad to read about our dwindling ranks. Making it to 75 was a challenge and now we are facing 79 and 80! I shudder when I say it out loud. I appreciate the listing by states to see where we are all living. We have spread out, but as was mentioned, the Class of 1964 is unique and special.  With a November birthday, I started kindergarten early and could have conceivably been in the class of '65. When we first moved here in 1959 (8th grade) we almost bought a house in Beavercreek! So much better being a Flyer than a Beaver!!! I feel blessed to be a member of our Class.

Note: I have had to change my email address and cell phone number! [DO NOT call the Microsoft number on the glaring popup saying your computer has been locked! One would think I knew better at my ripe ol' age.]  I have joined the ranks of the gmail users.   shadezas46@gmail.com   cell phone number: 937-371-3640

Love and health to you all.  Zoe