Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend the SHS85 40th reunion, as we’ll be in Germany next weekend for my husband’s family reunion and to see one of our daughters who is studying etc. in Berlin this semester (just like her Mom 37 years ago). I have enjoyed reading the updates from many of you — kudos to Beth for organizing! It’s tough to sum up what’s happened over the past 40 years, but here’s a brief synopsis from me:
I’ve been working in the field of international macroeconomic affairs since college and graduate school. Never a dull moment, these days especially. After catching the travel bug and studying/working in Europe for a few years, I settled in Alexandria, Virginia with my husband (of now 26 years) Dale, whom I met through shared German interests and contacts.
Family life has been a fairly constant source of joy and adventure, with our three daughters (the oldest is 24 and her twin sisters turn 21 next week). That makes me feel old, though I can’t say I miss their middle school and pandemic years, and I am really enjoying watching them navigate the process of “adulting” and finding their passions. Not a fan of the term “empty nest”, I like to call it our bird house, with the frequent comings and goings and varying volumes of stuff, food, people, and noise. You can tell how many are at home by the number of shoes (especially running and soccer) by our front door. The more shoes, the happier I am.
I haven’t spent much time in Summit since HS graduation, particularly since my parents moved to a retirement community in 2014. Last month, though, we came up to the area to see one of our daughters play in a soccer tournament at Drew University and took the opportunity to visit Summit and stroll down memory lane — walked past my old house on Blackburn, dined at Albion (the old Summit Hotel), drove past the schools, saw my Dad’s plaque in the church memorial garden, and visited the impressive farmer’s market. The best surprise was running into Helen Nadel by the Summit Diner and catching up with her after so many years.
I hope to have a chance to catch up with many of you at the next reunion (knock on wood), and wish a great time for all who will be at the 40th next weekend. I look forward to seeing photos of the fun!