1969 Class Reunion ( I missed it)

Well the class reunion has come and gone..unfortunately I wasn't able to attend...and many of my classmates wanted to know why..so I am going to tell you...I have a condition called AGORAPHOBIA, which according to greek definition is " a fear of open spaces" meaning I have anxiety/panic attacks when I go far from my home, which is my safety zone. I have had this since the summer before my senior year of High School. But it didn't get really bad until after I was married the first time. What caused it? Who really knows. What I understand is that back in my younger years 3 simular but separate things happened to me when I was growing up that was a "shock" to my system. and I guess the biggest thing was when I was sent away to private school in 1967. I was 16, sent to Florida and I could not come home. I had to stay at school, except for holidays, when I could come home. It was hard being away from my family, because back then we were a close family. We always did things together and so being away from them was hard on me. AND not only that, but I had only been home less that a week, when I had to go to summer school in the mountains to get another math course which I needed to go to college, something my parents wanted..not Greg!! I knew what I wanted and where to go to get the education, Rowan Tech..but my parents were determined I went to college..so I went for 2 quarters,I waisted their money partying and so forth...so they let me quit and come back home and go to work....that is what I have been doing since 1970.

People, like me, who have this illness, all fall into the same catagory..super sensitive, very observant, compassionate and very loving people (too bad I have never been able to find a spouse like that..so I remain single) I guess that is why I remember things, both good and bad, that have been said to me or happened to me. Private school changed my life..I think that is where my problems began.

When I came back, I no longer felt I have the same "relationships" with my classmates that I had before I went away. Might have just been they way I saw things, I don't know. I just remember only one person actually said to me "Greg it is so nice to have you back we sure missed you" ( Thanks Gail, I never forgot that)

As I said super sensitive...I can walk into a store and if there is a flickering light I can find it with in 3 seconds...I see things ( I guess I have always been weird) That is just my make up so to speak.

I remember things I did when growing up..because I tried so hard to "fit in" and I just never seemed to be able too. When I was in Private school I got tapped into the National Honor Society, came back here and was accepted by Mrs Westerland, and later "kicked out" ( according to her I was the only person ever kicked out of NHS) I didn't upset me because I just didn't fit in! AND I did some foolish things trying to fit in that I am ashamed of...and Terri I owe you an apology for something I did to you in 9th grade...I know you have forgotten but I never did! Judy I owe an apolgy to you for something I accidentally did to you as well....again you don't remember but I do.

Am I writing this for anyone to feel sad for me? NO!! I am writing for you to understand who Greg is..why I am the way I am....Each of us is a little different..that is GOD'S plan. We can't change that...we have to be the best person we can be...that is what I am trying to do! Maybe I say too much at times...but that is me....

You wonder what has kept me going? My sense of humor...I have been told by many people I missed my calling, that I should be a stand up comedian....if there was a joke told..I know it...I have always been an "entertainer" When I was married to "plaintiff number one" , I was the MC at the Norwood Elementary School Christmas party for several years, Candice and testify to that!..because I was good at it....I play "Santa" for a neighbors grandkids which I have done for 10 or more years....I enjoy that.....That is me...If I would have been able to attend the dinner..and you would have allowed me to entertain you..your sides would have been hurting with laughter..

Any way this is a little of who I am....later maybe I will ad to it....

To each and everyone of you in the class of 1969 I love you all so much..sorry I couldn't make it BUT I sure tried....burned over a tank of gas trying to get to the game,lunch and dinner. Next time I WILL BE THERE!!! Just My Thoughts