40 years – the mirror, the scales, and the medicine cabinet all say it’s true. I deeply regret not being able to attend. We are thankful to our classmates who arranged for these reunion events. Glancing back through the ’69 Annual, I thought about what we shared, many of us from the time we were subfreshmen. The boys were all handsome and strong, the girls were all beautiful and sweet… okay, my mind is fading, too.We have taken many different paths but what we held in common continues to be a treasured memory. If we could do it all over again, I wonder if we would.
Today’s world is very different from the one we knew back in the ‘60’s. Our senior class included NF’s first African-American graduate, Ed Davenport. Today the US has its first African-American president. There have been many other changes, some for good and some for not-so-good.
I pray for fulfillment, significance, and peace for you and your families. Enjoy these wonderful moments. Many of us would love to be with you.
On a dare from my sons a few months ago, I sang our alma mater without missing a word. They didn’t do so well with theirs. I will always be a Bulldog.
Mark Wilbanks, Class of ‘69
3 comments:
I am so sorry to hear that you will not be able to attend the reunion. I always think about you. Your Dad officiated at my wedding 38 years ago and did a pretty good job. I am still married. Three wonderful children and three fabulous grandchildren later have really made my life complete. Anyway, my memories from North Fulton are so special to me. We really had fun and great people. Everyone was so special to everyone else. It was truly a great time to be alive. We will miss you.
To all my NF friends:
The 40th reunion last night was great. Hat's off to the committee: Jan, Scott, Sheryl, et al. You did a great job.
I had not seen most of the group in 40 years, and I was impressed. The "girls" were lovely and smart, like they have always been and with no grey hair. Imagine that.
The "boys" looked like older versions of themselves, except Lance and Lewie. Whatever you guys are drinking, please send me a case!
So wonderful to have those of you from long distance attend: Cissy, Barry, Marilyn, Pete to name a few.
It was so much fun to visit with each of you, and I came away thinking, "this would be fun on an annual basis". Hopefully, our reacquaintance last night will mean that we'll see each other more often (at least on facebook. LOL). Hey, whatever happened to the "Moon Open"?
I have spent 40 years trying to not be called Bubba, but last night it was so cool to have all my oldest friends come up and say "Is that you, Bubba?"
To President Mark and others who were not able to attend, we missed seeing you. To our friends gone too soon, rest in peace. Your families should know we all shared in your love for them.
Thanks to all for taking me back to the joy of being a part of the North Fulton High Class of '69.
Please make it a point to make contact whenever you're in Athens.
John (still a/k/a Bubba) Bellamy
My Dear North Fulton Friends,
I was heartbroken Sunday morning
to find out I'd missed this reunion
and that some of my friends had been trying desperately to reach me about it. Had I known about it nothing could have kept me away from it! I miss you guys!
Those years with you all were so dear to me and I flash on them constantly. We all became who we are in those five years, and let me get sappy here and say I feel you are all a part of me and that I somehow carry you with me every-
where I go, and always will. I think you know what I mean.
I won't miss another one of
these. I like Bubba's idea (Hey my Center!) of doing this annually or at least as much as we can. Please have one in five years if not sooner. I'm going to get in touch with as many of you as I can in the meantime, but please forgive my absence, and know that
you're always in my thoughts and
prayers. I will never forget Jack Reynolds beautiful shining innocent face. You are all kid's hearts now forever in my dreams. (Hey,I'm an artist guys!) My cell is 678-485-5968 and I'd love to play phone tag with any of you guys I haven't seen in thirty years! (Lizibeth S, Jimmy D, Bubber, you know who you are!) I
talked to Pete for an hour today!
Stay Well My Dear Friends
and God Bless you all!
Ronnie Smith
(aka Ron Clinton Smith)
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