36 years ago

Today is our son's 36th birthday. Maybe because he was my first, I pretty much remember most of the circumstances before and after his arrival. Nine pounds, 10 1/2 ounces, 21 3/4 inches long - a big boy!! Happy birthday, Chris!! We love you!!

Family time.....

We had been spending time with family in El Reno individually, but on the last day there, we were able to get the siblings together at one place at the same time. Janice made chop suey like Mom Hardwick made it. One of Janice's best friends in high school, Carolyn, and her husband stopped by before leaving town. Carolyn is an "adopted" Hardwick......at least all of the Hardwick family was adopted by Carolyn!!

09.27.Monday with family

Tuttle

Because of a question Thomas asked Infoserv - a United Methodist service to answer questions, Thomas was reconnected with his first church in Tuttle, Oklahoma. Since we were coming to Oklahoma for his class reunion, Cheryl set up a time for Thomas to get-together with those in the Tuttle church who still remember him. He left there 50 years ago. There is now a new church building.

It was great time! There were at least 15 - 20 people. Many from the youth group many years ago. One couple who had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary came as Thomas married them. They brought their wedding album and had Thomas sign it! Evidently he didn't do that at the time of the wedding!

09.26.Tuttle

OOOOOk.....la......homa

We went to Oklahoma for the Class Reunion of the Classes of 1950-1955 El Reno High School. (Thomas, 1953) As we entered Oklahoma, the winds were blowing pretty hard. The wheat fields, many not yet planted or being planted as we drove from north to central Oklahoma had top soil blowing in the wind. Sure reminded me of the song, "Ok-la-homa, where the winds come whipping down the plain"!! First time in the 38 years I have been traveling there that I have seen the red dirt flying in the air.

Festivities began on Friday afternoon with each class meeting separately.

09.24.Class of 1953

Friday evening all the classes met together.

09.24.Friday night

Saturday began with a memorial service at the high school, then on to lunch with El Reno's famous fried onionburgers and coneys. There was a dinner in the evening with a program. Thomas was asked to give the invocation. The memorial service is always touching as they read the names of all the deceased classmates.

09.25.Saturday

After attending a gathering at Thomas's home church and participating in worship there, the final gathering took place with brunch.

09.26.Sunday brunch