Sadly, since the publication of the first issue of the newsletter, one of our comrades, Leslene Matthews, has died. Leslene succumbed to cancer on May 10th and was buried on May 19th. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to her family. A special thank you also to Chantal Leon who, along with Leslene's family members, was a constant source of support for Leslene, particularly during her last few months here on earth. As the remembrance from Carolyn on the web page says, "Don't be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends." For those of us who have a hope, we will meet again. If anyone has any pictures of Leslene, please send them to Carolyn so she can post them in a special tribute to her.

In response to the many commendations of Valerie Oliver for her efforts in coordinating this virtual reunion, Valerie has included an expression of thanks below:

YOU'RE VERY WELCOME

Ladies,

I thought it appropriate to reply publicly to the NUMEROUS expressions of thanks and appreciation I have received for initiating our getting back together in such a spectacular way.

I have grown to learn that as humans, some of us are givers and some are takers. There are the rare ones who are well adjusted to achieve the right balance between the two.

I find it VERY difficult to receive thanks and expressions of appreciation. I usually think, "it's no big deal on my part," but even I am overwhelmed at the scale of how much this project has grown.

As I said to someone recently, "You're still good at being a nuisance!" What did you say Kathryn??? J

I have been fortunate in that I am able to socialize with just about anyone and everyone. When this project started, I was in contact with about eight of you. Without your help, I would not have gotten in touch with as many people as I did as time went by. Thanks for your tremendous support and encouragement.

As the list has grown longer, the thoughts of what to do with it just keeps multiplying in my head. There are two ideas that I'd like to share with you.

First, I keep a hard copy and use it as a prayer list. May I encourage each of you to do the same? We don't need to know the specifics of each person's needs. We ALL have needs. Just offer them up to The Master, and He will take care of them. I would also encourage you to advise of any prayer needs should you feel comfortable doing that.

Secondly, I hope that the re-establishment of some contacts will provide each of us with at least ONE additional form of support and release. When the need arises, just make contact with someone and you'd be surprised at the results.

We have so much in common, and we have now done something quite unique. Let's build on it for the future, so we can continue to live up to the full extent of the St. Andrew High School creed of LIFE MORE ABUNDANT!!

Please see Ruth Weller Jankee's and Andrea Ewart's bios at ALUMNI BIOS and pictures of Ruth and her kids at the website under Photos Now.

Please check out this month's articles submitted by Debbie Searle Surridge who lives in California and Andrea Ewart who lives in Washington, D.C. Click on the link below:
NEWSLETTER ARTICLES.

We would still like to receive some more pictures to post at our web page. I believe that there are other pictures out there which we would all enjoy seeing, so please send them in to Carolyn at diazmetz@hotmail.com.