Irene Ann Paszkewicz (Smoliga)
Today I received this message from Jeff Saltzman regarding the reunion. I asked him if it was okay with him for me to publish it on the website and he gave me permission.
Hi there Irene and EVERYONE ELSE.
It is one of the regrets of my life that I'm not able to attend our 50th. I have been so much looking forward to it but health concerns preclude my attendance.
It's VERY hard to imagine that 50 years have gone by. I remember in H.S. how time time just seemed to ddrraagggggg on forever every single day. And now the years just seem to FLY BY!! You know you're getting older when you find yourself attending many more funerals than weddings....lol.
I've found myself lately waxing nostalgic and listening to all of our favorite songs from the late '50's through the early '60's. The dances with girls and one side...boys on the other....waiting to see who was the brave one to cover the mile-wide distance FIRST.
I'm remembering Susan Hardy tying for first place at dancing school. Danforths on the way to Franklin Jr. high. In H.S. my permanent seat in the Vice Principal's office. I'm remembering the class bully who, unfortunately, has passed away. As has my best friend...Ricky Apblet. I'm remembering our double dates with Ricky, Marilyn Wagner, Lynn Apfelbaum and myself at the drive in....desperately just trying to get to "second base". Mr, O'Hale with the permanent sweat stains....Ms. Haitch and her B O R I N G English classes....and my favorite teacher, Mr. McMillan. Attending Jim Bunning's perfect game for the Phillies against the Mets in the summer of 1965.
Truth time - the most alive I've ever felt, now as well as then, was during my two tours in Vietnam. Each day was a new "adventure"...good and bad. But I've never felt as close to men as during that time. Race and social status went out the window as you learned that you had to depend upon one another to survive. We each had each other's back constantly.
So, I just wanted to say a VERY hearty "hi" to all my friends from a bygone era. Keep me in your thoughts on this occasion and have a WONDERFUL TIME,on this VERY special occasion.
Your friend,
Jeff Saltzman
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