Doom Codes Jeff Nesmith '78
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Another Excellent Exchange of Emails Please read these. dvb
I, as many, can identify with your
love of Frankfurt and the way of life we all shared. As we've discussed
so many times before, I don't think people here in the US of A
understand the bond, the family ties and the friendships that have
linked us together throughout our lives. I know that my friends from
Frankfurt have been there through thick and thin, when I couldn't seem
to adjust to this strange country and "talked funny" -- according to
kids here in the states! My situation was similar to yours in that I
grew up in Taiwan, China and then moved to Frankfurt, where I, too,
attended FAJHS and FAHS. So, once again, I feel akin to you in your
protection and deepest love for your "front steps family". And, I'm
glad to know that I have all you guys to lean on and with whom to
celebrate life! (Also, it's still fun to get invited to your great '78
parties)! Well, enough of the sentimental stuff this morning! Just
thanks! Thanks for the years of great memories and the continued years
of fun and friendship! Lisa Poovey Greene
Hey Dennis. You know, i agree with you that we're not disadvantaged - in
fact I think we're probably ahead of the game. but I would note one
thing - its not good or bad, just different (and maybe that's good, or
at
least partially good). When I returned to my home town (lets see, I
left in Jr. high and returned mid-way through college) I knew everyone,
but
obviously I was not there during their "formative" years, as they say.
Anyway, most of my friends from there grew up and moved away - just like
me. They all go back for the holidays - just like me. What I've noticed
is that they really don't have much in common anymore (I guess that's
part of growing up) except their home town - and their shared
experiences. I don't have that (re: them) and I think that's good
because I have to interact on a different, more contemporaneous basis.
But they do have this shared sense that is always there and its almost
like a trust. (Its a nice thing to have even though it seems a crutch).
I guess those of us who were in frankfurt or munich for 3-5 years have a
similar feeling for each other - but its a little disconnected. I think
thats understandable too becuase that time was a small window of years
(and I don't think that's bad either - or good; that's just what I think
it is).
Anyway, my point is this: I guess you get the opportunity during a whole
series of steps along the way to define or redefine your identity -
that's part of growth. Some of the feeling that we are disadvantage or
at a loss because of our experience seems to me - and this is more
instinct then intellect - a desire to belong (and a feeling that we
don't) clashing with our well developed sense of independence and
individual identity. I mean, we feel both don't we? Maybe there is a
balance - maybe those two sides are not really, ultimately conflicting.
Part of the complaints, depression, conflicts ect. may be from the
inability to handle that sort of conflict, or balance it. I don't
sometimes and I think it causes problems. But also, I think I have a
finer, more intense sense of both aspects - and I think that has been
very beneficial. Does any of that make sense? What do you think?
Sorry for rambling, but a little of what you wrote (in scribe) hit a
cord. That's good, isn't it? Anyway, that's enough. Best Les Riordan
From John Ferry:
I remember burning a hole in the floor in Mr. Holmquist science class
with a bunson burner in 79. All foreign language classes got to go on
trips to Spain, France, by train boy did the number of students grow. We
all hide under the seats of the train when the ticket man appeared. I
remember a classmate getting left in France she was parting to much and
didn't make it back to the train station on time. Edwards Housing area
was a blast, field parties. Grunenburg Park was a good place to RELAX. .
And we finally had a reunion in Atlanta, getting to see everyone again
was a dream I didn't think would come true. One of our class memebers
wrote this poem I think all will enjoy:
Reunion...long ago.. I was a part of the family.. I was supported...
accepted....loved...but I was forced to leave..and I was trust into a
cruel and hostile world...I was alone..isolated...rejected..often times
my thoughts returned to days gone by.. I remember my joys, my sorrows,
my pains and my triupmhs.. but as time goes by.. I closed off all
memories of the past.. and kept them locked up inside me..after many
years the family gathers..memories of friends long forgotten
suface...and I long to see them once again... with fear and
uncertainty... I arrive at the gathering...and my fears were quickly put
to rest.... you opened your arms to me... embraced me welcomed me back
into the fold....and we became a family...once again.. edicated to FAHS
class of 80 CA