Comments:
September 2, 2015. I just realized that I never really did much of a synopsis on what I have been doing all these years. I went to Wayne State University, then spent a couple of years in Chicago, where I met my husband, who was going to the University of Chicago Law School. Moved back to Michigan with him, where he had a clerkship (1 year position) with Judge Levin. Then we moved to Washington, DC, where Steven had family. We started popping out babies, and I also got my Ph.D. while juggling babies, school, and a teaching position at the University of Maryland. Did my dissertation on stress and burnout, something that many of you probably know about first hand!! I worked at Gallaudet University for almost 15 years in a research unit and, as a bonus, I got to learn American Sign Language. I then came to the Children's Bureau, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I am a statistician and research analyst on the topic of foster children and the prevention of child maltreatment. I am doing a joint project now with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. It is on the topic of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders among children who come to the attention of child protective services. I have no plans to retire because I love what I am doing!
In the midst of all this, I've had both good and bad things happen. We lost our first baby in 1970 when she was 5 days old to a common breathing problem that would be easily fixed today. We found the courage to have another baby and are so glad we did. I have really enjoyed having kids. My very dear mom and dad have passed away. Both were in their 90s, but I still can't say that I was ready to see them go. Both taught music, and Dad was also a composer, right to the end. His music still plays in my head. We go back to Michigan often, and we just were there this summer for a family wedding and family reunion the next day.
We try to travel other places when we can. Last trip was to Japan and Taiwan. Mostly, though, I just love to visit old friends and family members strewn all over the country.
I often think about those of you whom I knew way back when. Some of you have written things on your profiles, which is great, and I enjoy reading that stuff. I wish all of your would write more stuff!! But I am still particularly wondering about Carol Cherry, who used to live across the street from me growing up, and Sherry Bazian, with whom I was good friends way back in the sixth grade. Does anybody reading this know what is going on with them?
Please see the photo of me with Steven. There is also one of my daughter, Nicole, with her fiancé, and one of my son, Jeremy, with a good friend of both Nicole and Jeremy.
Take care, everyone. I actually mean that.
Sharon
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August 9, 2015. Hi, everyone! I have finally added some recent (2014) photos. They are:
1) My husband, Steven, and I at a family brunch at a Big Boy restaurant near Sue's house (sister) in Troy, Michigan.
2) My daughter, Nicole, and her fiance, Orion Whitaker.
3) My son, Jeremy (left side of the picture) with Matt, a good friend of both Nicole and Jeremy since they were in elementary school!
4) Three photos reflecting that fact that I am still very much from Michigan. I have these items and more all over my office walls: A) Michigan from Space satellite photo; B) Michigan International Speedway sign; C) big blue sign declaring, "Great Lakes, Unsalted and Shark Free!"
And that does not even count the Vernor's magnets and photos of Michigan family. And the key chain that says: "Four out of five Great Lakes prefer Michigan!"
I hope you are all well and enjoying the summer.
Best,
Sharon (or, if you prefer, Sherry, which my Michigan family still calls me despite years of my letters signed, "Sharon"!
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July 19, 2012
Hi, folks. Well, I missed that 2011 reunion, after all (due to a sprained ankle).
I am still working, and so is my husband. Mom, who died at 92 over a year ago, told me that one should continue working if it is fun. She taught piano until she was about 80!
I am sorry that several people I knew well have dropped off the grid. Please let me know if you know where some of these folks are! Carol Cherry was a good friend and lived across the street as I was growing up. Sherry Bazian was also a friend way back as far as age 10. I don't understand how we can know what town or state someone is in but not have any additional information. Hmmm.
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer. Steven and I plan to be back in Michigan in late August to visit family, and then take a drive to the Upper Peninsula. I do love it up there, even though they always liked to remind me that I was a "troll" (lived beneath the bridge!). It will certainly be cooler than Washington, DC.
My initial (2010) comments are preserved below just because they say a few things about what I have been doing over the years.
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2010 comments:
Hi, everyone! I've never been to one of these on the excuse that I lived too far away and was too busy. But, the 50th reunion??! I will try hard to make that one. What I've been doing: Got married to Steven in 1968. We had a couple of kids and, while raising them, I went to graduate school. I worked at Gallaudet University for about 15 yrs, so, of course, I learned sign language. Now I work for the federal government in the Children's Bureau - research on child protection.
