Jim Thorup

Jim Thorup

Loretta Rizzuti reports: “Last week, Jan. 28, 2010 – was the Hall of Fame Inductee Ceremony at Lincoln. Jim Thorup was one of the Inductees. Attached is the bio that was included in the program. The pictures of this year’s inductees is in The Commons area of the school. He was at the dinner and the game on Friday, Jan. 29 – I did not get the opportunity to talk to him – I wish I would have. The ceremony was at half time of the basketball game, not sure if it was the girls game or the boys game.”

Jim Thorup played for the Lincoln Rails from 1971 to 1973 after he moved from Knoxville, Iowa where he led their basketball team in scoring his sophomore season. In his junior year he reunited with his former coach John Carle and was a part in ushering in a new era in Lincoln High basketball.

Jim’s junior year he led the Metro Conference in scoring and was the MVP of a Rails team that had a record of 16-4. Up until this time, this was the best record ever for a Lincoln basketball team. A unanimous All-Metro selection, he also was named 5th team All State. Jim ended that year with 231 rebounds and 372 points.

His senior year, the Rails went 17-7 and played to capacity crowds throughout the season Averaging over 26 points and 13 rebounds per game, Lincoln went into the sub state to play rival DM Tech at Vets Auditorium where Thorup scored 55 points and grabbed 19 rebounds for a thrilling overtime win. The 55 points still is a Lincoln record for most points scored in one game. For his efforts he was named a unanimous All-Metro first team selection and the leading vote getter for 1st Team All-State. In addition, a national recruiting service nominated him as a High School All-American. He was Lincoln’s Athlete of the Year his senior year. During his high school career, Thorup had the distinction of being named MVP 3 times and in his career he averaged over 21 points and 12 rebounds per game.

Thorup went on to play two seasons for the Iowa State Cyclones. His freshman year while playing on the JV team he averaged 12 points per game and lettered his sophomore season on varsity. He then transferred to Emporia State University and his college career came to an end with a torn ACL.

Thorup graduated from Emporia State University in 1978 with a BS in Education and taught for 6 years. He coached basketball at the high school level one year and has coached or scouted basketball or volleyball teams at various times since. From 1985 to today he has been selling residential real estate in the Kansas City area and has earned numerous awards for volume sold and customer satisfaction. Calling Olathe, Kansas home since 1979, he has been married to his wife Kim, going on 30 years. Together they have 3 children, Ryan 24, Taylor 22, and Jessie 15.

Christmas-New Year Party

Joe Cordaro and Loretta Rizutti are organizing a Christmas & New Year’s Eve Party for the Class of 1973 at the Park Avenue Pub, 1101 Park Avenue, Des Moines, at 7 PM, Sunday, December 27, 2009. Christmas falls on a Friday this year, so this would be the Sunday immediately after it.

Please RSVP Joe Cordaro at joseph -dot- cordaro -at- wellsfargo -dot- com or Loretta Rizzuti at lrizzuti -at- connollylawfirm -dot- com.

As an extra bonus, Mary Evans Willers says that our long-lost classmate Karen Wityk is flying in from Germany for the holidays. Karen went to Germany as an exchange student, married a German guy, and established a family there. She’s been dying to go to the reunions but this is nearly as good. She’d like to see her old American classmates.

If you can not make the party on the 27th but would like to talk to Karen while she is in Des Moines (from 12/22 thru 1/4), call her at her Mother’s home at 244-6423.

Hope to see you there and for goodness sakes, will somebody take some pictures?

Hugh Kent

Mark Blunck checks in with this email:

In our junior year at Lincoln High, I was taking one of many science classes with Mr. Hugh Kent. I thought he was one of the best teachers and taught the most interesting subject matter. I recall science class titles like Ecology and Conservation where we learned about the connections between life and the environment, resource and habitat, and the Earth as a single organism.

During that junior year science class, Mr. Kent made a statement near the end of one session that resonated for many years. He had ended the lecture, looked up at the class and said the following, “I want you to go home tonight, tell your parents how much you appreciate them raising you and thank them for this.” As we all know, teenagers are not exactly the most insightful people and besides, we had other issues to contend with such as – who can we ask out for the weekend and how will we get some beer – the two most critical elements of high school life.

This comment, however, by Mr. Kent burrowed itself into my mind for many years. In August 1985, I moved to San Francisco and shortly before I left Des Moines, I had a conversation with my parents on many subjects. The most important comment I made was to thank them for all their efforts in raising me and the comfort they provided in our home. After 13 years, I finally acted on that request from Mr. Kent.

A few weeks later after arriving in California, I sent a letter to Mr. Kent reminding him of what he had said back in 1972, thanking him for this, and that I had acted on his suggestion. Just a week or two later I received a letter from him and he was so pleased to hear from me. That letter is attached. The last time I saw him was in May of 1986 as I visited him after class and we had a great conversation.

I retrieved this original letter by Mr. Kent a few months ago and sent it to his son Tim Kent who forwarded it to his sister MaryBeth Abdo, in order to obtain permission to post on our website. They both agreed and I thank them for this. This is his actual letter done on a typewriter (with a phrase in red) from those wonderful black/red ribbons. I hope you enjoy this 1985 letter from Mr. Kent. If you were in that class and recall this specific moment, please email me at electionday2020 – at hotmail – dot com. It would be nice to know if anyone else acted on his words. And for those of you who are fortunate to have children, I hope that they have expressed similar thoughts to you.

I want all my classmates to live by the quote from Satchel Paige that he wrote in the second to last paragraph as this is great advice for us all. Mr. Hugh Kent was truly one of the best teachers that ever graced the halls of Lincoln High.

Mark E. Blunck
Hon. AIA Iowa

 

Hugh Kent’s letter to Mark:
October 25, 1985

Dear Mark,

Your letter, dated 10-12-85, posted 10-18-85, arrived in Des Moines yesterday, and if you had any idea how much I appreciated hearing from you—you probably wouldn’t believe it!

I have missed your letters-to-the-editor recently and have wondered what happened, it is good to know that you are in school and have decided on a major area of study.

I remember the day that you mentioned, and also the remark that you referred to in your letter. To know that someone listened, and more importantly, did something about it, is one of those things that makes teaching very much worthwhile! I cannot tell you how much it meant to me that you would take time out from your busy schedule to write and let me know, a simple “thank you” just does not do the job, but I trust you will understand with my limited command of the vocabulary that it just ain’t possible to adequately express how much this meant to me.

The “old pile of bricks” here on Southwest 9th Street is much the same as when you graced our hallways and classrooms, the young people aren’t quite as academically inclined for the most part, and I feel badly about this. The Lincoln football team is doing very well (6-1) and plays Dowling tonight for all the marbles—the Metro title and a place in the state tournament. The one blemish is a loss to Roosevelt (10-8) on a rainy and muddy night at Hutchens Stadium, they have won all of the others and play Newton in the finale a week from tonight. The young men that are representing ALHS this year on the gridiron are an excellent bunch, they have worked extremely hard and are a very close group—I predict a Lincoln victory.

I am still teaching at the Urban Campus a couple nights a week and on Saturday morning, and, during the summer—a super place to work! I see Mr. Alexander often and will be delighted to convery your greeting to him, I know he will appreciate it, he is quite a man.

It was quite a coincidence that you dated your letter on October 12—on that day this gray-haired, fog bound old man turned 60, and your letter certainly helped to make such an “event” less painful. Satchel Paige once said, “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?” I think this is an excellent philosophy as I still feel very much like a kid and probably still act like one.

Thanks again for the letter, and I hope all is going well for you out on the west coast—if and when you get back to the golden buckle on the corn belt, be sure to stop in and visit!

With best regards,

HKent

Harold W. Gable

Harold W. Gable

Harold W. Gable was the father of Cheryl Gable, Class of 1972, who is married to our classmate, Tom Fontanini, Class of 1973. This obituary is from the Des Moines Register.
HAROLD W. GABLE

Des Moines

Harold W. Gable, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center.

The body has been cremated and memorial visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, October 4, 2009 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th St. A prayer service will begin at 3 p.m. with military honors to follow. Private family inurnment will occur at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery at a later date.

Harold was born May 12, 1931 in Des Moines, the son of Orville and Elsie (Parkin) Gable. He was a Navy Veteran who proudly served his country in the Korean War. Harold retired from the Des Moines Fire Department in 1987 after many faithful years of service. He was not only a hero to our community, but also to his family. Harold was a member of the Des Moines Firefighters Association Local 4 and Force-1 Federation of Retired City Employees. He was a dedicated Iowa Hawkeye and Drake Women’s Basketball fan, and Lincoln High School Alumni Supporter. But above all else, Harold was a strong and true Chicago Cubs fan, even through the rough times. Harold also enjoyed golfing, reading, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren.

Harold is survived by his daughters, Cheryl (Tom) Fontanini of Des Moines, Kay (Chuck) Fargo of Carlisle and Susan (Kevin) Turk of Des Moines; son, Terry Gable of Des Moines; his seven grandchildren, Angela Fontanini-Axelrod (Michael) of Eau Claire, WI, Miranda Fontanini- Okland (Gary) of Kansas City, KS, Kelli Turk of Des Moines, Megan Fontanini (fiance, Douglas Smith) of Des Moines, Dustin Fargo (Sara) of Ankeny, Bradley Turk of Des Moines and Kristin Turk of Des Moines; his great-grandchildren, Henry Axelrod of Eau Claire, WI, Linliey Okland of Kansas City, KS, George Axelrod of Eau Claire, WI and Emersan Fargo of Ankeny; sister, Evelyn (John) Matalone of Topeka, KS; brother, Thomas (Joyce) Gable of Hot Springs, Arkansas and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marie L. (Larson) Gable; his parents; infant brother, Orville and sister, MaryAnn Lehman.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League in loving memory of Harold.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hamilton Funeral Home Obituary:

Harold Gable

Harold W. Gable, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center. The body has been cremated and memorial visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, October 4, 2009 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. A prayer service will begin at 3 p.m. with military honors to follow. Private family inurnment will occur at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery at a later date.

Harold was born May 12, 1931 in Des Moines, the son of Orville and Elsie (Parkin) Gable. He was a Navy Veteran who proudly served his country in the Korean War. Harold retired from the Des Moines Fire Department in 1987 after many faithful years of service. He was not only a hero to our community, but also to his family. Harold was a member of the Des Moines Firefighters Association Local 4 and Force-1 Federation of Retired City Employees. He was a dedicated Iowa Hawkeye and Drake Women’s Basketball fan, and Lincoln High School Alumni Supporter. But above all else, Harold was a strong and true Chicago Cubs fan, even through the rough times. Harold also enjoyed golfing, reading, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren.

Harold is survived by his daughters, Cheryl (Tom) Fontanini of Des Moines, Kay (Chuck) Fargo of Carlisle and Susan (Kevin) Turk of Des Moines; son, Terry Gable of Des Moines; his seven grandchildren, Angela Fontanini-Axelrod (Michael) of Eau Claire, WI, Miranda Fontanini-Okland (Gary) of Kansas City, KS, Kelli Turk of Des Moines, Megan Fontanini (fiance, Douglas Smith) of Des Moines, Dustin Fargo (Sara) of Ankeny, Bradley Turk of Des Moines and Kristin Turk of Des Moines; his great-grandchildren, Henry Axelrod of Eau Claire, WI, Linliey Okland of Kansas City, KS, George Axelrod of Eau Claire, WI and Emersan Fargo of Ankeny; sister, Evelyn (John) Matalone of Topeka, KS; brother, Thomas (Joyce) Gable of Hot Springs, Arkansas and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marie L. (Larson) Gable; his parents; infant brother, Orville and sister, MaryAnn Lehman.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League in loving memory of Harold.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

ALHS Alumni Site

There is a Lincoln High School Alumni website which you can visit by clicking on this link.  However, everything about our class will always be here first.

Holiday Get Together

Loretta Rizutti reports:
“A Class of 1973, Holiday Get-Together, is in the planning stages. We are looking at a couple of different places. One place is a set for a private party, however 25 people are needed to confirm the reservation. There would be a choice of 3 selections for dinner, and each is responsible for their own dinner/drinks. As of today, we have 15 confirmed. The date is set for Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009. We have other locations if we do not have the 25 confirmed.”

“Please let us know if you would be interested in attending this party. Some of you have already responded. Thanks, your name is on the list. Anyone with other questions, please contact me or Joe Cordaro at joseph -dot- cordaro -at- wellsfargo -dot- com or me at lrizzuti -at- connollylawfirm -dot- com.”

Marvin Delmott

Doors Inc. President Marvin Jones, left, is turning his job over to Marvin Delmott. Delmott has matured along with the employee-owned Des Moines company, which started with about $1 million in sales a year. It does about $21 million in sales today.

South-side teen opened door to success
In 1973, Marvin Delmott was hired to unload trucks at Doors Inc.
Today he’s about to become the Des Moines company’s president.

By Bonnie Harris, Register Business Writer, The Des Moines Register, December 25, 2006, Business & Career, pp 1D & 5D

Marvin Delmott was fresh out of high school – 17 and with no plans for the future – when he went to work as a “rent-a-kid” for Doors Inc. a Des Moines company that distributes commercial doors, frames and hardware.  For $2.25 per hour, he unloaded trucks, worked on the warehouse floor and, well, “pretty much did anything they wanted me to do,” he said.  Now 51, Delmott is about to become the employee-owned company’s newest president, replacing longtime leader Marvin Jones, who announced his retirement earlier this month.  “I’m not exactly nervous, because I know we have such a good team in place here,” Delmott said.  “We run a good company.  I think it’s going to be an easy transition for me.”

From behind a paper-strewn desk, Jones, 65, narrowed his eyes and pointed to his successor.  “His biggest responsibility is to his employees, ” Jones said.  “He’s running the show now.  So if it’s not successful, it’s going to be his fault.”  Delmott squirmed, ever so slightly.  “OK, well, now I’m nervous,” he said.

If the exchange sounds more like a discussion reserved for a father and son, it’s because in many ways “the two Marvins” are just that.  Delmott, who was 10 when his own father died, said Jones has been a mentor and role model all of his adult life, not only teaching him how to do business but how to treat people.  “He’s really shown me what it means to be successful,” Delmott said.  “You have to be a straight shooter, honest.  You have to care about people and do right by them.”

As young as he was when he started working at Doors Inc., Delmott has been able to watch the company grow.  It developed from a small business with about $1 million in sales a year into a leading player in the commercial door industry in Iowa, with about $21 million in sales today.  The company now has 90 employees with operations in Des Moines and four other Iowa cities, and has claimed such high-profile projects as Wells Fargo Arena, the Great Ape Trust of Iowa, the Newton Correctional Facility, 801 Grand and the Deerfield Retirement Community in Clive.  Doors Inc. is now handling work on the new Polk County Jail and several loft developments.  “Just look at the (downtown) skyline and it’s pretty much all us,” Delmott said.

Grabbing a calculator, Jones quickly punched in some numbers.  Since he joined the company 36 years ago, Doors Inc. has chalked up about $315 million in sales, he said.  “That’s about 630,000 openings,” Jones said.  “That’s a lot of doors and frames.”

That long-standing reputation and success is why Delmott doesn’t have many changes planned for the company, he said.  Staying abreast  of new products and technology in terms of security systems are among his goals.  “I just want to continue with our success, both for the customers and our team,” said Delmott, noting that the majority of Doors Inc.’s employees have worked there for 20 years or more.  “Plus I know Marv is just a phone call away.” 

At that, Jones grinned.  While he will continue as chairman of the board at Doors Inc., Jones says he plans to do a lot of golfing in Florida – and added he doesn’t believe much in cell phones, even as Delmott’s chirped continuously across the desk.  “Hey, pretty soon I won’t be drawing a paycheck anymore,” he joked.  “So I don’t have to help him if I don’t want to.”  Then he paused.  “Seriously, though.  When you work with someone for 30 years, you build a trust.  I know Marv will do a fine job of it.  And I won’t have to worry one bit.”

Marvin Delmott
Position: President of Doors Inc.
Age: 51
Hometown: Des Moines, attended Lincoln High School. “I grew up on the south side and I still live on the south side,” he said.
Career: Began career at Doors Inc. in 1973, when he was 17. Left for one year to work in Cedar Rapids and another distributor in Des Moines, then returned to Doors Inc. as an estimator salesman. “After that I worked through basically all departments – keying and hardware and a bunch of others.”
Personal: Married to Laurie Delmott, five children and three grandchildren.
Hobbies: Golf and jogging.

Doors Inc.
Address: 300 S.W. Sixth St.
Employees: 90
Annual Sales: $21 million
Web Site: www.doorsinciowa.com

Henry Dean

Jane Goddard reports that William (Chuck) Willers & Mary (Evans) Willers are the proud parents of a 3rd grandchild, born 9/24/09 in St. Louis, MO.  Weighing in at 9.5 lbs, Henry Dean has an older brother named Owen & an older sister named Clara.

Hugh Hennesy

Hugh Hennesy

We tend to remember the athletes, the cheerleaders, the valedictorians—even the drama queens; yet, how often do we remember the nice kid? Who recalls the genuinely good person who sat attentive in class and as audience to our own teenage angst played out between class periods? Hugh was that guy. He was a true friend–a great listener during those tumultuous times of Junior High.

I wish I remembered more about him. I do remember that he loved sports and was quite the statistician; Hugh was akin to a walking library. Every Monday he spilled over with a recount of the weekend’s games and details about each player. I wish I had listened more closely to the things that were important to him. I think I probably missed a lot. No, I’m sure I did.

When I recently found the Class of 1973 on the Web, I anxiously opened the Class Directory. One of the first people I wanted to know about was Hugh Hennesy. I was sure he must be in California or New York working as a sportscaster; or, maybe he was a Chief Scientist somewhere. He would be married and have 4 or 5 kids who graduated college with honors. Whatever it was, I knew Hugh would be a success! How very sad to read his name listed in the Class Directory with simply the word “deceased”.

I decided to conduct a little internet research to learn more about what had happened to Hugh. I was able to locate his younger brother, Terry, who is Pastor of a growing Presbyterian Church in Oswego, Illinois. He told me that Hugh died in a car accident coming back from a ski trip at Mt. Hood in Portland, Oregon. Hugh never reached his 22nd birthday.

Here are some of the wonderful memories shared by Rev. Terrance Hennesy:

“Hugh taught me everything I know about sports and sportsmanship… he was a huge Minnesota Twins fan and when the Twins won the World Series in 1987, and again in 1991, all I could think of was: he should be here to see this. My grown sons, NOT TWINS FANS, must still, to this day in my presence, refer to the Minnesota franchise as “The Two-Time World Champion Minnesota Twins!” I tell them they must say it to honor the uncle they never knew.

One fall in Junior High, when I was in 7th grade and Hugh was in 9th grade, he was VERY interested in the World Series that year. I can’t remember who was playing (could probably look it up on-line). Anyway, since ALL games were played in the daytime in those years, the dilemma of being in school and missing the games weighed heavy on him. So… at home, I watched him take an old Boy Scout Manual book, carve out the inside pages, insert a little transistor radio with earpiece coming out the side. He carried it with his other books, sat in the back of class (I assume) and listened to the games during school!! I do not recall him getting in trouble!

Hugh was the best man at my wedding two months prior to his death.

A friend of Hugh’s was trying to get a start in the Insurance industry so Hugh purchased a policy to help him get a sale. He named me and my sister as beneficiaries. Though it was a small policy, I took the money, re-enrolled in college (I had quit to get married)… and with that boost, I went on to graduate school at Dubuque Seminary. Without him, I never would have gone to school, or gone into ministry.

I forget, sometimes, in the business of life, what I owe to him and how much I miss him… and I, too, think of him as that sportscaster behind a microphone with his head full of knowledge and his heart full of the love of sport – all 5 ft. 5 inches of him! “

I would like to thank “Pastor Terry” for sharing his comments. He was very touched to know that Hugh’s classmates still remember him.

One thing I know, with certainty, Hugh was an overwhelming success in this life. He was “the nice kid” in Junior High. He made a difference just by having been here–and for that, he deserves to be fondly remembered.

~ Teresa Hunter Sojourn

Debra Swanson Dresback

Deb Dresback was helping out over at Connie Merrifield’s church last Tuesday when she passed out. Connie called an ambulance which took Deb to Mercy Hospital where she remains. They did some tests but still haven’t figured out what it’s about. The doctors warned her not to drive for six months. When she fell, she cracked or broke four ribs, one of which punctured her lung. So she’s gonna be in the hospital for a bit.

Anything that messes with your ribs hurts like hell, so Deb’s in some pain. She can still answer the phone. It wouldn’t hurt to send her a card wishing her well after she worked like a dog on all those reunions over the year. It would cheer her up to hear from folks.

Deb’s address for the near future:

Mercy Hospital
1111 Sixth Street
ATTN: Debra Dresback
Room 927
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 247-3121
 

UPDATE WED 09SEP09:

Linda “Flaime” Williams reports:
Just a quick update on Deb-Spoke with her this evening. Deb said she was up in the chair most of the day. She says she is ready to get out of there. (sounds typical) She is still in a lot of pain with all the tubes, IV’s and other bells and whistles. Deb sounds in good spirits. She really appreciates the cards, flowers, calls and visitors. We of the Class of ‘73 and others really know how to rally around. I know Deb appreciates and so do I. Lets keep it up for each other. I’ll try to keep ya’ll up with her progress as best I can. If anyone gets other info, please let me know.

UPDATE SUN 13SEP09:
Linda “Flaime” Williams reports:

Hey ya’ll Spoke with Deb yester evening and again a little while ago. Still in lots of pain but trying to stay upbeat. She spoke with her surgeon after my first call yester eve, so I called back later. Her surgeon said they found a blood clot in her lung (the one that is punctured). Last night they did another CT Scan to see how the clot was behaving, with the prospect that they may have to do surgery to remove it. Deb said that she would have Merrinee call me if they decided to do surgery last night, and if I didn’t hear from them then no surgery at least last night. I called Deb a little while ago and so far they are just keeping a close watch on the clot by doing X-rays. They had taken one this am and when we got off the phone they were there to take her for another one. They are getting quite a bit of fluid off that lung today.

Deb is trying to stay upbeat, but in a lot of pain and is tired of the hospital Keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she tries to stay patient with herself, the doctors and the healing process Keep those cards, calls, visits, etc., coming, and whoever found out about the e-cards and how to get them to Deb, please share!?

UPDATE TUE 15SEP09:
Deb Leahy reports:

I spoke to Deb Dresback last night. The drain tube is out, and she is hoping to go home today or tomorrow. She will be in physical therapy and of course her driver’s license is suspended for 6 months. The doctors think the cause of her blacking out is due to a blood clot. They are letting it dissolve on it’s own with the help of heart medications. She was excited about getting out – can’t blame her after being in the hospital for a couple of weeks.

UPDATE WED 23SEP09:
Deb Dresback reports from home:

I need to take time to thank my classmates for all the calls, flowers, cards, bears, and so many other gifts while I was hospitalized at Mercy for 15 long, so painful days.

In case you do not know, I was at a clothes drive at Park Avenue Christian Church, with our fellow classmate, and my dear friend, Connie Merrifield. I handed her a bunch of clothes to put on the rack, and when she turned around, I was on the floor. She began screaming for help, and checking for blood, broken things, and was trying to get a pulse.
The paramedics arrive, I was flat on the floor, stiff as a board, and my eyes all back in the back of my head. Connie had tried to talk to me, no luck. I was told I tried to fight the paramedics. Doctors say this was because of the severity of the pain and injuries, I went into shock. Connie did not want to call my Mom, until we knew something, Mom is almost 81. She called my daughter Marinee (she and Connie are real buds. Connie was not allowed to go in the ambulance, so she took out in my car, and beat the ambulance to Mercy.

After along time in the emergency room, they told me I needed to stay overnight, for observation (YA Think??)

It ended up being 15/1/2 days in coronary care. It was my heart that went racing, and caused this seizure. I have never had anything like this before, and listen to me, it was the worst pain ever. I was just paralized by the pain. The second day, I was told by surgeon Dr. Willie McClaren, I needed to have a chest tube inserted, for all the blood that was in my stomach.

He told me it would be a little uncomfortable…Oh, My God, the pain was unbearable. It was done on the side of my bed, and no pain meds to help. I mean I screamed, and made a lot of noise. This was being inserted over 4 broken ribs, and a broken shoulder, and a broken rib, that had punctured a lung.

15 days of hell..I went home to Mom’s, no I am at home. I am in physical therapy for one and one half hours, twice a week. I am learning to dress myself, cook for myself, therapy on the shoulders, and ribs, to get them to loosen up. It hurts like hell.

I get better each day, I still need the cane to help me, and also use in my physical therapy. I am trying to use the curling iron, and style my hair, this has been the biggest task.

I now have a cardiologist at the Iowa heart center, and I am on Lorpressor for heart pain, and to try to prevent this happening again.

PLEASE ALL OF MY BUDS…I THOUGHT I WAS REALLY DOING GOOD, NEVER EVER THOUGHT OF HEART OR SEIZURES, IT NEVER ENTERED MY HEAD..BUT, IN A SPLIT SECOND, MY WORLD CHANGED FOR EVER. THE PARAMEDICS THOUGHT I WOULD NEVER MAKE IT TO THE HOSPITAL. THE FIRST FEW DAYS, IT WAS JUST MINUTE BY MINUTE, I COULD HAVE HAD ANOTHER ATTACK OR BLED TO DEATH, I WAS NOT GIVEN MUCH HOPE. THE INJURIES WERE TOO SEVERE.

GET THAT CARDIAC SCREENING TEST. IT DOES NOT COST MUCH AND IS EASY TO DO. PLEASE, DO THIS//iF I HAD, I MIGHT NOT BE IN THIS MESS. IF THE CHURCH HAD NOT HAD ONE MORE BAG OF CLOTHES FOR US TO FOLD THAT DAY…CONNIE AND I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN MY CAR HEADING TO DAHL’S…I SHUDDER AT WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN, OR I COULD HAVE BEEN HOME ALONE. IN THAT CASE, I WOULD HAVE JOINED MY DAD.

I am doing better all the time. It will be slow, due to the severity of the injuries.

I want my classmates to know how much their love meant to me…Thank you all, and I love you all..4 years….and, counting……oh,yea..Our 40th….