Maureen PATERSON
Call me a late starter:
I recall that at our 20th reunion, with two small boys, I was one of two classmates who needed baby sitting services provided by children of our classmates. As a result the grandchildren have been late arriving. Since the last reunion I have four more in addition to the two I had in 1999. In 2002 two more little boys arrived four weeks apart. In March 2004 twin girls arrived. I now have six grandchildren under eight years old.
My house guest/classmate from the 1994 reunion has stayed. We spent our first childhood together, so we might as well do the second. It’s less confusing.
Work, play and hobby have combined into one category called ‘Obsession.’ I spend five days a week in two different pottery studios. After 40 years of ‘molding’ children I have discovered clay is easier. I’ve slowed down. Clay stays put and is infinitely more malleable.
My memories of school days in Nelson are mostly positive with more supportive classmates than bullies.
In Central School I was on Sylvia’s softball team. She took me to her house to teach me to catch a ball. After a long and fruitless effort, she kindly gave me a face-saving out by saying that she thought ‘hands were just too small.’ (I later learned that my mouth wasn’t, so I became a cheerleader. I could go on trips without being able to catch a ball).
In High School I was fortunate in having friends who supported, entertained, and occasionally aided and abetted marginal activities. Thanks Verna Mae, Mildred, Nora, Elizabeth, Mary Kay, Susan, and many others. You can probably guess who did what.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at this reunion.
