Message:
Dear Ida Students of classes 1986-1999, it is hard to believe that six years have passed since I left Ida to return to my hometown high school here in Delta, Ohio, as a guidance counselor for ninth and tenth graders. The 10 1/2 years I spent in Ida were among the most enjoyable in my teaching career (even though, in some cases, they were not your most enjoyable memories!!!). I will always remember the caring, compassion, and yes, even the love, shown by the students and faculty during my battle with cancer which began in December of 1989. You really did make a difference in my recovery process. For more than 10 years now, I have been in remission. During the past four years, I have been actively involved in the Fulton County Relay for Life, serving as Honorary Co-Chairman in 2000 (a record-setting year, by the way, in which we raised more than $161,000 for cancer research). In January of this year, I underwent triple bypass surgery, which was a major surprise to me, not to mention a life-altering illness. I missed about eight weeks of school, coming back after spring break. Since coming back in early April, I have been going to cardiac rehab 2-3 days per week, and I have just recently resumed playing golf. What a relief that was! Currently things are going very well. My wife and I are presently looking for a smaller, one-story house, as her youngest just graduated and is now on her own. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to say "hello" to so many former students (and friends) from Ida High. Please drop me a line to let me know how you are doing. After all, I would like to know if any of the Senior Composition class stayed with you past graduation. Finally, always remember: If you pass a penny, pick it up. Pick it up, and remember someone no longer with you. Keep that penny, and soon you will have a thousand reminders of one whom you have loved and lost. May God bless each and everyone of you. TMC