MHS class of ’86,

I can't believe it's been 20 whole years! I remember running the halls of MHS (when there was only one high school), listening to the announcements over the intercom, with the biggest question being what we would do on the weekend. As I've grown older, I look back and think how easy we had it.

This brings me to my personal story. Attached is an article (for your reading pleasure) that I wrote in the year 2000 which describes the physical changes I have gone through as a result of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. This has taken me on a journey which has shaped who I am today, as I'm sure most of you can say of your own struggles.

For those of you who wonder what I'm doing now, I live in Edmond, close to my sister, brother-in-law and 2 precious nephews and also my parents. The closest thing to a child I have is my dog Binky, who is 16, but not eligible to get her driver's license. I have a large church family, many of whom visit me on a regular basis.

The majority of my close friends from high school are still a very big part of my life. We get together when we can and none of them have ever treated me any differently than when we were younger. They should be commended because of their acceptance and continued friendship.

If you see me at the reunion, I hope you will not shy away from me because of the wheelchair that I use. I do not want any pity or to be treated differently because my physical status is different than it used to be. I am still the same person on the inside. As hard as it may be to believe, since I was such a "motor-mouth" in high school, I do talk more quietly now. My voice has been affected and keep in mind that I am legally blind and can't see very well, which I'm sure makes you wonder what I am doing driving a heavy wheel chair.

I am looking forward to the reunion and think it will be great to see so many from the past. I would say "I'll see you June 9th and 10th", but you'll probably see me first.

Graduated college and married in 1990.
First child, John Michael, in 1991.
Second child, Veronica, in 1995.

US Army Armor Officer from 1991 to 1996.
- Ft Drum, NY
- Somalia in 1993
- South Korea in 1995-96

Graduated Business School in 1999.
Management Consultant in Sydney, Australia from 1999-2001.

Back to Army work as an Assistant Professor of Military Science Northeastern University Army ROTC, Boston, MA., 2001-present.
One year stint in 2003-04 in Iraq as a Civil Affairs Company Commander.
(Served with the 4th Infantry Division north of Baghdad)

Iraq tour brought the end of my first marriage in 2004.
Engaged to Grace Bottitta...guess I'm a slow learner!

Pictures:
Christmas 2003 in Iraq.

Army-Navy Football Game, Dec 2004.
Left to Right:  Grace (fiance), Jacob-16 (Nephew), Veronica-9 (Daughter), John Michael-14 (son)

Does anybody feel like your expected to write your epitaph here?  Good son, great brother, wonderful father, sexy husband, loyal friend or just plain absent-minded on all of the above.  

All I know is that the last twenty years I wake up each morning with the same thought as I did back then.  If I'm breathing I'm happy and if I'm not then it won't matter.  I do my best to enjoy each day regardless of occupation, family involvement or disappointments that come along the way.  Just blessed to have another day, it's always been more than I deserve.

Now the stuff I guess everybody really got on here to find out.  I'm currently working in the Railroad Industry as a Safety Coordinator for a large manufacturer of RR Maintenance equipment, been here 6 years.
 My job involves 100% travel and gives me the opportunity to see most of North America by rail working with all kinds of wonderful people as a resource to the safer side of life, with an occasional safety and environmental audit to boot.

With this said, I'm sure you figured out it leaves very little time for a homelife.  If you are lucky enough to catch me at home for two weeks
(6-2 schedule) you'll find me at either Lake Tenkiller on the boat or some golf course putting for birdie.  Regardless of the two I'll be smiling and enjoying the day.  

Yes as the Q & A section of Classmates.com said, I'm divorced and never had any children.  That I know about anyway, no surprises please.

Wishing everyone the best and hope to see you at the reunion.