MAIL CALL
( Sorry, no mail )
**REMINDER**
'68 MINI-REUNION LUNCHEON THIS WEEKEND
12:00 noon
Saturday, September 10
El Viejo Mexican Restaurant
4300 Hwy. 365
Port Arthur, Texas
Restaurant # (409)853-1301
Please RSVP when possible so that the manager
will be able to have appropriate wait staff.
Those who have contacted us:
Linda DeCuir and Murphy
Ernie Castaneda and Ron
Marilyn Jackson
Debbie Borres and Raymond
Paula Daigle
Jane Lippincott and Kent
Laura Meece and Bart Darby
Janice Hebert and Barry Boudreaux
Felicia Hiatt and David Petit
Florence “Sissie” Woods
Betty Steck
Carla Castro
Sharon Lewis
Jonnye Dee Doering and Bobby Williamson
Fred McCarty
Mary Wells
Linda Gothia
Shirley Barra
Chrissy Dupuis
Linda Eldemire
Dianne Dupre
Joyce Marceaux and Ronnie
Randy Blanchard
Susan Jackson
Jan Russell
Lizbeth Branick
Janis Hamilton
Pat Trahan and Ray
Loretta LaLonde and Glynn
(We hope we will get more responses this week after this reminder.Check out the list and call friends in the area that aren't on the list that you would like to see again.See you there.)
RSVP:
Marilyn Jackson Williamson marilynsjw@yahoo.com
Ernie Castaneda Bullion tbull50@sbcglobal.net
WEBSITE DONATION
“Please accept this donation to the tjhs1968.com website fund in memory of Janette Light Norton .I cannot beileve it has been a year since she passed away.She was a kind and loving individual who always had more concern and compassion for others than herself.We could all learn from her example.”
donated by an anonymous classmate
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN
Can you believe that even though Murphy and I had tickets to go for the Port Arthur day matinee of JANIS at the Alley Theatre in Houston on Aug. 27, but I was still recovering from surgery and couldn't go, they STILL PUT THE SHOW ON?We gave our tickets to my niece and nephew so that they could enjoy it!From what I hear, it was a smash success.A small committee from the class of '67 got together and planned a social after the show with refreshments and then made plans at a Mexican Restaurant very close by for dinner after the social.The '68 grads that attended were Shirley Barra, Sharon Gary, Linda Eldemire, Janis Hamilton, Danny Landry, Ernie Castaneda, Phyllis Fett, Fred McCarty, Jack Etheredge, Glenda Patin and Marilyn Jackson.
(I might have left some attendees out that weren't reported to me.)
GRANDKID NEWS ** (Send me your news for the next newsletter) **
from Gloria (Phillips) and Ricky Bradley
Our oldest grandson, Blake is the flag runner for Mustang High School in Mustang, OK.
from Linda DeCuir McFadden
Both of our granddaughters are in middle school this year.Eight grader, Bailey is the Student Council student body president, plays volleyball and runs track and our 6 th grader, Drew made the TexAnns drill team at Henderson Middle School in the Hardin Jefferson ISD in Sour Lake.
NEWS FROM THE HOMEFRONT
My sister had her 75 th birthday on August 17 th .Her assisted living in Humble gave her a small birthday party on her actual birth date.Then, her daughter threw her a larger house party in Spring on that weekend.I was still recovering and wasn't able to travel.She face timed me and I got to see what I was missing.I sure wish I had been there.She had a ball and danced and acted silly and had a great time with balloons and hats, etc.Then, the next week my niece brought her down here to see me and also visit our 100 year old dad in his assisted living facility in Nederland.They then came over to see me in Lumberton.We went to a local diner named Boogie and Tootsies to have a light lunch.Gerry wore a Happy Birthday hat and everyone who passed would acknowledge her.We told her she was 45.She said, “That old?”I guess demetia isn't so bad after all.The diner then played Happy Birthday on the speaker sang by a barber shop quartet.Gerry stood and waved and smiled.Can't get any better than that.She thought it was her birthday.Of course she didn't remember the other two parties.Who cares.
Murphy and my brother, Danny who lives in Friendswood, are in Tupelo (outside of Corsicana) dove hunting on Lynn Eldridge's ranch.My almost 71 year old brother has never dove hunted.They aren't back yet so, I don't know if they got any.I do know that the first evening they went they didn't see any.You know, it is all about just having guy time.Just hanging out and doing a whole lot of nothing.
SUPPORT
Mike Soileau
Prayers for Mike's brother, Shawn in Hermann Hospital since Aug. 29.Brain aneurysm.He has had some set-backs including spasms.He has had some better days lately.We thank you for your prayers and continued support.
A letter from Shawn's children:
We
are
the
children
of
Shawn
and
Sheila
Soileau.
We
are
their
support
team
and
are
committed
to
seeing
Shawn
and
Sheila
through
this
trial.
Our
team
consists
of
Andrea,
Nikki,
Shawna,
Anthony,
Jennifer
and
Celenda.
We
would
like
our
team
to
grow
so
we
are
reaching
out
to
you
for
your
support.
Shawn
is a
well-respected
husband
and
father
who
has
proven
his
love
for
his
family.
He
has
worked
hard
his
entire
life
to
support
and
lead
his
family.
As
he
approaches
retirement
age,
Sheila
and
Shawn
have
made
exciting
plans
to
spend
their
golden
years
with
their
family
and
friends.
We
plan
our
lives
to
the
way
we
think
we
should
go
but
sometimes
God
wants
us
on a
different
path.
Unexpectedly,
Shawn
was
diagnosed
with
a
brain
aneurysm.
He
was
rushed
to
Houston
and
has
spent
the
last
couple
of
weeks
undergoing
surgeries
and
treatments.
We
truly
believe
we
have
been
blessed
with
the
best
medical
care
from
his
team
of
doctors.
He
is
very
strong
and
fighting
hard
to
overcome
this
difficult
challenge.
As
you
know,
the
greatest
medical
care
comes
at a
price.
Shawn
and
Sheila
are
hardworking
proud
people
that
would
rather
give
to
others
than
ask
for
help.
We
recognize
this
so
we
are
asking
for
them.
Due
to
this
illness,
Shawn
cannot
continue
to
work
at
this
time.
In
order
to
continue
treatments
his
insurance
is
having
to
be
paid
weekly.
His
coworkers
at
RCI
have
stepped
up
to
the
plate
and
are
pulling
their
resources
together
to
help
us
pay
his
insurance.
Thank
you
coworkers!
We
are
working
hard
to
complete
all
documentation
for
programs
that
will
supplement
their
income
during
his
treatment.
We
have
been
informed
that
the
funds
will
not
be
available
for
four
to
five
months.
We
are
reaching
out
to
you
for
help.
They
are
in
immediate
need
of
donations
to
continue
payment
of
medical
costs
and
minor
personal
expenses
such
as
utilities
and
groceries.
We
are
very
appreciative
of
all
of
you
who
have
supported
Shawn
and
Sheila.
We
could
not
have
gotten
this
far
without
you.
We
pray
that
God
will
put
Shawn
and
Sheila
on
your
hearts.
If
you
cannot
donate
money
at
this
time,
please
remember
them
daily
in
prayer.
God
has
definitely
used
this
to
bring
our
family
closer
together
and
we
would
like
to
see
you
join
Team
Soileau.
Thank
you
for
taking
the
time
to
read
our
story
and
be a
part
of
our
journey.
Let's
hit
our
knees
and
get
them
back
on
their
feet!
(If you would like to help you may send your donations staight to Mike Soileau.)
3223 Hwy 2791
Atlanta, TX 75551
Jeanette Constantine Morgan's mom is back in the hospital battling health issues.She has been back and forth for months now.It has been hard on her and her family.Please show support.
3901 Hwy 366
Groves, TX 77619
Charlotte Pace Thurston is at home taking chemo pills to help her with her cancer.She has had a set back with her cancer returning and metastasizing in her spine.She is also having to take meds to help with the pain.Please keep her in your prayers.
2702 Mazur Dr.
Port Neches, TX 77651
Carole Oubre Reeves
I talked to Carole this morning.She has been in the hospital for 4½ days for acute colitis.Sounds very painful.She is doing well now.Drop her a note.
6535 Jefferson
Groves, TX 77619
Ricky Bradley had cancer removed from the top of his head a week ago.He had cancer removed in a several hour surgery that he said is a “hole the size of a 2 bit piece. The doctor said I'm grounded for the next several days, as in no work of any kind other than utilizing my 205 lb mass to keep this lazy boy from achieving liftoff!” Gloria said the doctor told them all the cancer was removed.
9221 SW 99 th St.
Mustang, OK 73064
Update on Joyce Marceaux Abate's husband
Ronnie went for his 3 month checkup at Methodist yesterday. The cancer is still under control. He is having problems with weakness, and being tired. His appetite isn't that great, but we got some pointers on how to correct some of the problems. He goes back in three months. He is still on the top of the list for his transplant. It has to be the right size liver and same blood type. He is in the hands of God. We are so blessed that he is still with us today. I hope that the prayers continue and we are grateful for all of the support and love that always comes our way. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Love ya'll
6305 Marble Falls Dr.
Lumberton, TX 77657
Carolyn and Alfred Hebert (faculty)
We are still recuperating from the carbon monoxide, sewer gases and mold. The only sink we have for use is in Alfred's bathroom. If it had not been for my brother suggesting to do an air quality test and then my PT asking if we had considered carbon monoxide we would be dead. At my last ER visit and inpatient episode they had to work hard to save my life. We evacuated Oct. 8th of last year, came back on Jan 31st and had to leave again. It is unreal. We found somebody to do the counter tops in the kitchen and the master bath. The new ones were recently painted. There is so much more to this story.
Thank you for continuing to send me your newsletter. You have the most clear and crisp website.
Ryan Valure , our nephew by marriage, received his new kidney donated by his father a week and a half ago.He had previously gotten one donated by his mother 12 years ago.He is doing well and is feeling so much better now that he doesn't have to have 8 hours of dialysis every night.Thanks for your continued support.
5114 Fayette Springs Ln
Fulshear, TX77441
update on my spinal surgery
On July 21, I had a Laminectomy on disks L3-S1 where Dr. Angel also found 8 pinched nerves due to spinal stenosis.The first two weeks were rough in trying to learn to get around while in normal pain from having surgery.By the end of two weeks I was feeling pretty good.After that weekend, I had a set- back of having horrendous electrical pains that would shoot from my left hip to the toesseveral times a day.The doctor sent steroids to help with the irritation of the nerves and also pain meds and vitamins to help regenerate the damaged nerves.This subsided after five days.Then, I had a good weekend and thought I was turning a corner on getting better.No, on Monday, August 15, three and a half weeks AFTER the surgery, I started having SPINAL HEADACHES.Normally they usually start the day or two after spinals or epidurals IF you have them.Not me.I had them 24 hours a day IF I raised my head.This lasted for several days and I am now still having them once or twice a day 19 days later.When researching spinal headaches, we read that they last an average of 10 -14 days.I can control mine IF I take a headache pill and lie flat on a recliner or bed or even put my passenger seat in the vehicle all the way down.I don't drive yet very far when I am the only one in the car.I am hoping that these headaches quit pretty soon.I have not been able to walk like the doctor asked me to so that I can strengthen my back muscles that have weakended since the surgery.It has been 6 weeks now.I should be DANCING at Larry'sl!
Thanks
so,
so
much
for
the
greeting
cards
(60!!!)
and
the
texts,
e-mails
and
posts
on
FB.I
hung
the
cards
up
in
the
guest
bedroom
where
I
took
up
residency
for
the
last
few
weeks.I
love
looking
at
them.Actually
my
youngest
grand
daughter
helps
me
rearrange
them
when
they
aren't
even.You
don't
know
how
much
it
has
meant
to
me
for
all
the
attention.You
know
being
the
QUEEN
means
that
you
need
to
stroke
my
ego!Here
is
my
royal
wave.....!
Murphy has enjoyed the food that classmates have brought on and off.It is always a treat to have something you didn't cook.
Now, Murphy has NEVER EVER been a caregiver.I think it is against his nature.But, he has turned into NURSE RACHETT!He has become a warden.Oh my heavens.No wonder my muscles haven't gotten stronger.“Don't lift that paper sack.Don't look down.Wait, let me fix your thousand pillows.Here are your fourteen ice packs.”It sure helped when I was in so much pain.I would never would have believed he could be so caring!!I am grateful.Very grateful!!I could never have gotten as far along as I have without him.Now, I need to heal and walk and get stronger.Oh, I forgot something.I never did throw up.If I had, Nurse Rachett would have run down the street throwing up himself.He can't stand to hear anyone gagging or vomiting.
CONDOLENCES
(another classmate gone too soon)
Marla Kay Holt Meehan-Aronson
November 25, 1949 – November 15, 2015
from Sharon Gary Peters
I've been trying to "find" Marla Kay Holt these past few years and since I don't do FB, I'd try googling her name. I knew she lived in Houston and was teaching there as I had her nephew by marriage many years ago in class when teaching at Lumberton High School.He told me she lived and worked in Houston. I didn't have a number for her, though. We had lost touch after I moved to Arkansas in 1982. I don't know what happen to her, yet found this obit for her.
Linda, this woman was a dear friend in high school. She was oh so smart, but very arts and crafty as well. She was witty and such fun. I was so shocked to find that she had passed. I just wanted to let you know as I did not see her name on the memorial's list.
(We thank you for sending this in.Many times it is a classmate that informs Mike and I about another classmate's death.)
Richard “Carl” Bodin
Aug. 28, 1948 – Aug. 3, 2016
RIP sweet friend.Murphy, Stacy and I miss you.We'll watch and check on Martha (Lipe '69) for you.
342 Roberts
Bridge City, TX 77611
Jenny Rhodes Hamilton
(death of her sister, Sally Rhodes Phillips 66 )
August 27, 2016
150 Windsor Circle
Lumberton, TX 77657
(You can read these obits in the OBITUARIES section on the front page and may find Marla's in the MEMORIAL section for classmates.)
This is about it for this edition.I'm sure that I will think of something else AFTER I send this to Mike Lawson to publish.Please try to make the mini-reunion this next Saturday.I have never heard anyone that has come to these get togethers that said they weren't worth it.Try it.You might like it.Also, send in something about your grandkids so I can include it in the NEWSLETTER next month.
See you soon.
Stay in touch and contact a classmate,
Linda DeCuir McFadden
lindadmcfadden@yahoo.comwww.tjhs1968.com
