Bill Gelderman

My sons (3) organized a combination Dad's Birthday/Thanksgiving event this year. They rented a house on the beach at Laguna Beach, FL for three days. Everyone was there. The three sons, their wonderful wives, and the best part - all my grandkids (5). They are 19, 18, 17, 16 and 14. All but the 14 year old are driving and two are in college. The oldest Grand is a sophomore at Samford in Birmingham, AL and the next is a freshman at UGA in Athens, GA. (Sugar Bowl this year). The older they all get the harder it becomes getting everyone together. A variety of work and class schedules, events, meetings, etc., etc. can be challenging. Having the time to sit and chat with these young adults was amazing. They are so bright, talented and engaged in life. I managed to teach one of my Grandson's how to play Gin. I'm afraid I created a monster. He walked around with a deck in his hand for two of the three days looking for someone to play. I think we must have played about 20 games. His question on the last day: Hey Grandpa, what's the line about the student teaching the teacher? LOL. They are all so cute when they're little, but having an adult conversation with them is priceless... Merry Christmas...     

Lee Saberson

Vernon Neece (Neece)

I once heard that grandchildren our God's reward for not killling our own children (when they tested us to the extremem).    Beth & I will have the joy of sharing our house with our 2 children, theirs spouses & children during the Christmas holiday.

Lauren Dolinky (Moss)

Grandchildren—who said “if I knew how much fun they would be i would have had them first!”  One of my sons has 2 boys and the other 3 girls.  All got along like best friends and actually played so well together.  My middle granddaughter, Vanessa, died last year of cancer, age 8.  We all tiptoe around the subject but are coming around to enjoying one another and fondly remembering the huge, gorgeous personality she had.  Life goes on for the rest of us and adjusting and accepting is all part of the healing. My 4 grandchildren are THE BEST and I count my blessings each and every day.  Laurie (Dolinky) Moss

Ruth Gross

Laurie,

My heart goes out to you! I can't even imagine how painful that loss must have been. I am so proud of my niece, who chose to be a pediatric oncologist, and does great clinical and research work in Seattle. Maybe one day, our childeren and children's children won't have to fear the terrible big C.

Paula Massey

Lauren --I am so very sorry for her death. It is very hard to lose a child and the loss sometimes is felt more at the holidays. Two of my stepsons died early and we continue to remember the loss but also glad that we knew them for the time they were alive. Life does seem to be a mixture of the hard and the joyful..................

Edward Boesel

To Lauren Dolinky, it was the grandmother in the telephone (AT&T/NYNEX?) TV commercial...

Holly Romans (Green)

My condolences to you, Lauren.  I hope you and your family are healing.  My heart goes out to you.  😢 

Susan Spiegel (Pastin)

Lauren, my condolences!  The worst thing is losing a child or grandchild.  Glad your family is healing, and fondly remembering.

Karen Sitron (Haight)

  Dear Lauren,

 I too am so sorry for your loss - your 8 year old granddaughter.  My father was much quieter than my mother. But when he said something it was quite often spot on. He said to me one day,  “ Sometimes Life Sucks “. 

 I am thinking of you and your family,

  Fondly,

    Karen Sitron Haight

Bonnie Robinson

Dear Lauren,

Sending you my most sincere condolences on the loss of your Granddaughter. I know how much she will be missed, but for the short time she was with you all, she brought so much sunshine and delight! May her soul RIP forever!

Alison Van Swearingen (Brown)

Kristine Masko (Fuller)

Laurie,  I am so sorry to hear about your granddaughter.  Such a beautiful name, Vanessa.  I bet she was a beautiful girl to go with that name.  I see Nona occasionally but she never mentioned this to me. She is probably grieving as well.  Please know that I always valued our friendship and my best wishes are for you and your family. Kris Fuller

Lauren Dolinky (Moss)

Thanks a million to all of you who have responded to my sad news about Vanessa Lauren, my granddaughter who died last year.  It is so comforting to know that old friends understand the trials and tribulations that life has dished out to all of us. Somehow we all manage to survive.  I want to take this opportunity to wish each and everyone of my classmates a Happy and Healthy New Year.  The Merry Christmas wishes are right there as well.

Lauren Dolinky (Moss)

OH! A special thank you to Ed Boesel for telling me about the origin of the expression about grandchildren.  I always supposed it was right off a bumper sticker!

Preston Cook

Hello Class of '64,

I'd like to let you know about the publication of my forthcoming book, American Eagle: A Visual History of Our National Emblem. This book is now available for preorder at Amazon and Barnes & Noble online or your local book store. You can find links on the book's website: https://www.americaneaglecollection.com.

Kathy Dalgety (Miehls)

Congratulations, Preston, on your eagle book publication. It's been a long a-comin', but the work is finally over. Happy New Year.

John O'Boyle

Congrats, Preston!   Can't wait to read it.

William Wanlund

Congratulations -- a couple of real accomplishments.

Jane Henry (Andersen)

Can't believe you quoted Murray Burns.  Still one of my favorite movies. 

I look forward to visiting the Museum sometime this year as it's a direct if slightly slower path from Madison to the Twin Cities where my children live.  Congrats. 

The book looks so interesting.  I plan on buying a copy when it's published.

Preston Cook

Hello Jane,  the National Eagle Center now has a small exhibit from the collection.  The museum will not open for several more years.  They have raised a bit over $10 million for the $18 million project.  Let me know if you are heading this way and I will give you the “Cooks” tour.

Holly Romans (Green)

Wow, Preston.  You must feel so good about this accomplishment and you make all of us in the 1964 ETHS class feel very proud!

Vicki Hlavacek

Preston, Wow - congratulations on this wonderful achievement. All your hard work has finally paid off!! I'm so happy for you dear friend!

Susan Spiegel (Pastin)

Congratulations, Preston!

Christine Vasar

Well done, Preston.  Congratulations on your achievements.