Homework from my Son

by Donna Swagerty Shreve

25 Random Thoughts or homework from my son

1. I grew up the oldest in a family of four kids and two parents who were obviously in love.
   2. I attended Lincoln schools fourth grade through high school.
   3. I just attended my 45th reunion and have enjoyed getting reacquainted with many friends.
   4. I graduated from UOP with a teaching credential and married my classmate John Shreve, 41 years and counting.
   5. We lived in Connecticut our first 4 years as John served in the official Coast Guard band.  We have returned to visit good friends.
   6. I love good theatre and both sons have exposed me to some amazing performances.  Actually, I have become a theatre snob.
   7. I threw myself completely into teaching for 37 years and didn’t realize how exhausting it was until I retired.
   8. I watched both of my parents die and was there in the moment with my mother holding her hand as my sister held her other hand.
   9. I battled cancer for six months and so far have succeeded, by changing my life style, to stay healthy.
   10. Cancer gave me the gift of capturing the moment and not waiting for that rainy day.
   11. I am back in the swimming pool and doing 1000 yards a session non-stop.
   12. My passion is genealogy and I have an overwhelming collection of stories, photos and family trees that I need to find a vehicle to share.
   13. I have taken up knitting again after 35 years.  I feel by knitting I am carrying on a tradition long help in my family.
   14. I enjoy cooking and consider the kitchen my playground.
   15. Every time I make a pie, I do it in honor of  my mother as pie making to her was an art form.
   16. I am so thankful for an amazing group of wonderful girl friends I call my Women Warriors.
   17. I am an avid Giants baseball fan and enjoy sharing that passion with my son.  Opening day has become our annual ritual.
   18. I love to travel and plan to go all over the country until I am unable.
   19. I hope to take a class of some sort each year to keep expanding.
   20. Family is very important to me and I hope to celebrate my family in some form of stories and various media.
   21.  Hopefully I can figure out how to digitize my old home movies without paying the exorbitant prices of various services.
   22. I have to have my Siamese cats as part of my inner circle.
   23. I hope I live long enough to watch my grandchildren grow up.
   24. My father had the same wish and it was his greatest regret when cancer took him early.
   25. I hope to continue to learn patience for the rest of my life.

478 words

2012