Publisher's Desk

Yes, it is true, and the whole world can know, I am now 80 years old!

I attended my 67th class reunion at Bridgeport High School this month. Our class had about 52 graduates. Even though the group is diminishing each year, classmates are very involved in their own communities and churches. One man, even with multiple physical problems, is coordinator for Crosses Across America, Inc., in our area of West Virginia. This includes everything from finding sites and funding for new crosses, to maintenance of older crosses. I am sure that most of the graduates have voted since they became 21. Just think, some served in the Armed Forces before they could even vote! They are still fighting for democracy.

Most of my life has been spent in Calhoun County, 56 years of it. You all know that I came here as a young teacher, with not much confidence. I tried another position in Charleston for six months, which I disliked. My Dad heard of an opening here and convinced me to apply. I loved teaching from the first day!

I didn’t want to marry Carl, because he was “too old.” All of a sudden, I said “Yes!”

I did not want children, because of babysitting experiences as a teenager, but again, I received an unknown shove from God, and became the mother of seven. Only God knew that Carl’s patience and calm attitude would offset my impulsive personality, and we could work together. I had never been around little boys, but ended up with four sons. Now, boys are some of my best friends. Girls have a warm spot in my heart too.

I didn’t want to go back to teaching, Again, I had that unexpected shove. I would have missed teaching survival skills for boys and Adult Roles and Functions.

I didn’t want to quit teaching after just 14 years, but Carl’s health was failing. Again, God had already made plans without me asking. We were able to travel and enjoy our family for nine years.

When Carl died, I was emphatic about not taking on the Chronicle! You all know the answer to that challenge.

I realize as I write this that I kept saying no to God most of my life, but he knew what I should become each time.

Now, I am an 80-year-old grandmother of 16, still in Grantsville, still enjoying former students through community and historic education, loving the people I work with, meeting new people every day, and thanking God for working His plan in my life!

May God bless your life in the same way.