Susan Gilliland Close

Yes

Hello to all my classmates! It's hard to know what to tell about myself. It seems impossable that we are actually having a reunion to commerate 40 years.
I married Don Thompson in 1974 and had my first child in 1976. Most of the time was spent raising a family and working as an LVN in doctors' offices and a short stint at Tehachapi Hospital. I had worked at San Joaquin Hospital in Bakersfield for two years before having a family.
I have many fond memories of my first marriage as well as some negative. I was married for 28 years and then divoriced and married my precious friend, Dr. John Close. Although there are a few years between our ages we seem to be perfectly linked and very happy with each other.
I have four grandchildren, two of which came with my oldest son's marriage to Kelly. They also have one of their own, a beautiful little girl, Samantha. I also have a grandson by my son Jeff. He and the mom did not marry but John and I get to see him and have him overnight fairly often. His name is Jace and we can't get enough of him. He will be two in September.

One memory that I would like to share was the day I took a "bag of laughs," with me to school. I thought it would be fun at lunch or breaks, but Paul Moore had a different idea. He took the "bag of laughs" from me during study hall, of which Mr. Remme was the teacher. Paul put the BOL behind a book and pushed the button. This loud, continuous laughing went on... and on. Several other kids knew what Paul was doing, so they were watching to see what Mr. Remme would do. Even I, who was not prone to mischievous classroom behavior, could not help but laugh along with everyone else. Mr. Remme followed the sound and located the BOL at which time he asked the question "Who does this belong to?" Let's just say, that Paul did not hesitate to throw me "under the bus!" I had no choice but to say "It's mine." Still, no help from Paul. I was sent to the office for my behavior and I had to face Mr. Roberts on my own. I, however, didn't mention Paul but I got off easy. Mr. Roberts kept the BOL for the rest of the day and told me never to bring it to school again. Which I didn't.

Another memory was taking the Rooters Bus to Bishop for a football game. Somehow, instead of getting on the bus, I ended up in Charlie Bonners VW Bug. There were two other partners in crime, but I won't mention their names. When the time came to head back to Tehachapi, I knew I wasn't riding home in that VW. Let's just say that Charlie had a few too many. So, I snuck onto the bus and hid under a seat as Joyce Black took a head count. I was at the back of the bus and thought I gotten away with it. My mother, however, was also a school bus driver. I learned several years later that she had known. I guess she figured that I had learned my own lesson, or she didn't want to hear the wrath of my dad. At any rate, that was the last time I did that.

I have great memories of graduating with many of the same "kids" that I started Kindergarten with. That's one of the beauties of small town.

I am sure there are many things that don't come to mind right now, but I will remember after sharing at the reunion. I pray for journeying mercies for all those who will be traveling long distances to be at this reunion. I , however, am living in Cummings Valley with my husband and my mother, since my dad passed away on May 15, 2010. The place is far too large for her to keep up on her own. We do go to our other residence in Bakersfield on weekends but, I can truly say there is no place like home. Can't wait to see you all.