Gayle Laurene Thomas (Reed)

I kinda remember the 8:00 start. But the staggered times I don't remember. Were they assigned? Or did we get to pick? Why did we have to?

And I loved Lynn's answer: "That's exactly as I remember it." I can't remember exactly 5 minutes ago. So 60 years is a little stretch for me. 

Blessings to us all.

Gayle

Gayle Laurene Thomas (Reed)

April 30

Good evening!

I talked to Gail Blanton last night and told him I would post an update from him. 

He's in a VA rehab now. And has been measured for his other leg. It will be a prosthetic above the knee. He keeps saying when he gets it, he is going to go home! I know he wants to but I think it will take a while. And as much as he would like to come to the 60th, I'm not sure that's possible. But maybe with a wheelchair and a willing driver, he could!

He shared with me that his younger brother Avery died yesterday. He had terminal cancer. And was 78.

I went on a practice trip this past weekend. A friend from Galloway and I went to Burlington KY to see the Creation Museum. We had a great visit with our friend that recently moved there. But the trip through Cincinnati going down was loaded with crazy drivers. And taking the more scenic route home was too long. Traveling is not as fun now. But I'm coming to the 60th to see all of you that can make it and know it will be worth it! And I'm sorry that I used to expect everyone to come. 'Course we were younger then so maybe that was ok.

Blessings and peace.

Love, Gayle

Jackie Lynn Freas (Heupel)

I'm going to miss this reunion, again! I think of ya'll (I'm in Texas after all!) often but can't face the long trip alone.  "poor me" 🙃 Jim's reunion isn't until September! I'll be thinking of you and pretending I'm there! Happy 60th everyone, in person or virtual!!!

Gayle Laurene Thomas (Reed)

To Jackie and all

I really do understand about traveling now. And especially alone. Next week and then on July 7th I'll be traveling alone. 75-100 miles each time. Easy Peasy, right? Except, I wasn't a race car driver want-a-be at 16 and I'm less of a fan now! People in Columbus aren't happy unless they're doing 80 and up!!! But to be honest, I thought driving 85 in Kansas at 17 was pretty kool! I prefer the back roads!!! But they take forever to get anywhere!!! And where are the rest rooms? 

Sending blessings to all of us. If you can come to the reunion, I hope to have a chance to catch up. And if you aren't coming, I hope you remember some of the great times we used to have. For instance, Jackie, which reunion was it that you and I and Kathy went to Frisch's for lunch? Can anyone name all the locations of our reunions? We all remember the years we gathered. But can you remember the month they were in? Can you name the souvenirs we had for some of them?

I love you all! I miss the classmates we've lost!! Please take care of you!!! Until the next time...

Love, Gayle

Kathy Lynn Goodman

From Zoe

I finally found John and Emily Haynes! He was our American History and Civics teacher, back in the day. They moved to Granville, OH a few years ago and live in a retirement community. John says they are both doing well (for their age...) and would have loved to have attended our reunion on June 22nd, but they do not drive out of town. Their daughter, Anne lives close by and their son, Scott lives outside of Columbus, so they enjoy being close to them. It was a major decision to leave Fairborn, but they have settled in and enjoy their new home. Denison University is situated in Granville and John says there are many "intellectual" people living in their community and they enjoy the mental stimulation. They do not want for things to do.
John wishes us well and will be thinking of us next weekend. Zoe

Kathy Lynn Goodman

Guess who I found - Charles (Chuck) Curran, our civics teacher.  I saw election posters for Chuck Curran last fall and thought it might be a relative.  He was elected to the Beavercreek City Council.  Readiing his bio it turned out to be Mr. Curran himself.  I was finally able to make contact with him a couple of months ago and invited him to the reunion.  He didn't think he would be able to attend but wished us all the best.  He called Sunday and said he was going to try to make it for a short time on one of the nights.  Here's hoping.

Thurman J. Lee

Glad you were in contact with Mr. Curran  I used to see him at Sinclair occasionally when I was teaching an evening class there.  

I will never forget one conversation that took place in our Civics class.  At the beginning of the class he always liked to chat a bit.  One day he said "I really think I have it made".  I'm Catholic, Democrat, and that puts me at the top of the pile".  Mike Irvin responded with "pile of what?"  That endedd the conversation.  I hope he is able to come.  He was always one of my favorites.

Thurman

Gayle Laurene Thomas (Reed)

June 25

I saw the photos of the reunion this morning and it looks like you all had a great time!!!

Sending prayers that we all stay connected however we can! 60 years of staying in touch is quite a legacy!! And one I know we all want to continue!!!

Blessings and peace.

Love, Gayle

Gayle Laurene Thomas (Reed)

The reunion’s over and the pictures looked like it turned out great! And the committee did a great job planning it! I saw smiles and even laughter in the photos!! A few of the regulars were missing!! But it looked like everyone had a great time!!!

Sending prayers that when we meet up after all the years, we smile and say “You look great!” and ask “How are you?” It’s been 60 years since graduation!!! But we still care about each other!!! Thank You God for this time to connect and remember!!!!!

Love, Gayle

Douglas Hall

Gayle you are such a great encourger as I look back 60 years I wish I had not been a loaner . Good to see the closeness .

Gayle Laurene Thomas (Reed)

Good afternoon to everyone!

I'm thinking of past school memories today.

I just had a banana split in the special ice cream bowl a neighbor gave me. Took a picture and sent it to Adrienne to see if she remembered going to Sloan's drug store after school. I think we were 10!

And I put the photo Kathy sent of the 60th reunion in my FHS notebook. There was one person I didn't recognize but I believe it's Bob Olive. I compared his picture our Junior Year and I think it's a match!

I knew our lives wouldn't stand still but they seem to be going faster! In a devotion I described it as a snowball coming down a hill. Once it gets going, it goes lickety-split to the bottom!

Sending blessings and peace to us all!!! Take care of yourselves!!! Until next time...

Love, Gayle

Elizabeth Jane Eden (Benton)

gayle, good to hear from you!!!  all ok here!!1 miss jerry a lot,hate this quiet house!!!!   take care!!!  eliz

Gayle Laurene Thomas (Reed)

September 10

After getting Kathy's email about Candy's health, the word Spitfire came to mind. Candy has always been one!

Sending prayers that Bebe and all the family support her through this journey!!! 

The last time I really talked with Candy was when I went to DC in 2013 and she wanted me to check on Donald's headstone in Arlington. Jim's sister and I found it and reported back to her. 

Sending prayers to all of us. And Thank You Kathy and John for keeping us connected as the Fairborn High Class of 1964! 

Love, Gayle

Zoe Shoop (Shade)

From Zoe Shade: I received a text from Barb (Spitler) Boettcher on Sunday saying she made it out of Asheville on Sunday. No power, no water, and no cell service. No retail or grocery stores or gas stations are open. The city is totally shut down. She couldn't leave until Sunday morning when they finally got a few roards to the south cleared so people could get to the highway. She is at her daughter's in Atlanta where they almost had no weather from the hurricane.  There was no damage to her residence - she is one of the luckey ones!  

Michael H. Hart

THIS IS NOT FOR ME BUT SOME OF OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

Dottie Nisonger (Estepp)

Hi Micheal, Thank you! Dottie

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 H. 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 H. 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