I also want to honor Joe for his courageous comments here, and Chuck who offered that ticket. I am so glad to read about the 30th Reunion and how Kathy must have had a great time, thanks to you. This whole thread is a message to us all about what matters----in high school and in life, as we learn over time what's important. Thanks to all for your reminders.
Kathy certainly was a "kind and gentle soul". Chuck that was a beautiful gesture and Joe your comments were so heart felt and caring. Hopefully eveyone at the reunion will feel welcomed and special. A good lesson learned. RIP Kathy, you're fondly remembered by your classmates.
When I moved back to RR in the 6th grade, I really knew no one. I was really trying to figure out what I could do to be at the cool kids table. I was walking to lunch going down the stairs. One of the kids said something nasty to the kid in front of me and it was a shot at the kids Jewishness. I joined in with the barrage of verbal crap. I'll never forget it, the kid spun around and looked right at me and said " why do you have to say those things " I can see his face, I can describe his shirt, I can still fell my flushed face. I've never wanted to feel like that ever again. I think of Kathy and I hope that we have done better with her. The story of the ticket for dinner was a comforting to read. Thanks for sharing that story.
And thanks to you, Doug, for letting us know how deeply felt that moment was for you. We have all had instant feelings of regret for something we did or did not do. We are imperfect human beings, but examining instances like these, learning from them, engenders the growth of compassion and empathy, making us stronger, better people. And, in this period of acrimony and disregard for others, it is such a sign of hope. On this Memorial Day weekend, it is very special indeed.
Wow…Doug’s message sure hit home! I imagine the kid was Fred Goldberg. Fred left the school district sometime while in high school. I remember well the teasing he would get and knowing him through Sunday School at our Temple, I felt very badly for him. On the other hand, I have to admit that I didn’t do anything to help him either. I suppose being the only other Jew in our RRHS class (that I knew of), I felt intimidated in that regard.
Although Jewish, I didn’t personally experience any antisemitism...but I didn’t publicize my religion. There were about 9 of us in the entire high school but being a minority brought me a certain amount of strength. It also helped me understand as an adolescent that not everyone is the same…and as diversity has increasingly become an important aspect of our society, that was a very helpful lesson indeed!
I echo Janet’s hope that everyone at the reunion will feel welcomed and special. May Kathy and all of our lost classmates rest in peace.
GLAD TO SEE THE TRIBUTES MADE TO KATHY BUT SOMEWHAT SORRY TO SEE THE BEAUTIFUL POSTINGS MADE AFTER KATHYS DEATH, WHEN THOSE THOUGHTS AND WORDS COULD HAVE BEEN ACTED UPON IN HIGH SCHOOL AND AFTERWARDS. KIND OF MAKES ME FEEL GUILTY THAT I NEVER REALLY GOT TO KNOW HER.....HOW MANY OF US DID?
Wow, Bob, I remember Fred Goldberg very well. We used to play together as kids. He and Chuck Inglefield lived about a block from my house. He once told me that his dad had survived and escaped the Holocaust. As a kid, I had no idea what he was talking about. After that, I wanted to learn as much as I could about the Jewish religion. Thanks to him, I started to broaden my horizons about a lot of things! Kids say the meanest and unhurtful things just trying to be cool, unfortunately, once the words are spoken, they can never be unsaid!!
Kathy did have a good time at the 1996 reunion because I was talking to her and she told me. I think she felt confortable talking to me because we had known each other for so long. She did tell me at the reunion that she felt bad because her slip was showing!
Kathy had a hard time in school. Many students made fun of her and it was very hard for her. It is nice to see all of the nice comments about Kathy. It is too bad that she never got to hear them. For any one who gave her a hard time in school I hope that life has taught you of a better way of dealing with those who are struggling.
Peggy Toman (Siegle)
I also want to honor Joe for his courageous comments here, and Chuck who offered that ticket. I am so glad to read about the 30th Reunion and how Kathy must have had a great time, thanks to you. This whole thread is a message to us all about what matters----in high school and in life, as we learn over time what's important. Thanks to all for your reminders.
Jan Maule (Swartz)
Kathy certainly was a "kind and gentle soul". Chuck that was a beautiful gesture and Joe your comments were so heart felt and caring. Hopefully eveyone at the reunion will feel welcomed and special. A good lesson learned. RIP Kathy, you're fondly remembered by your classmates.
Doug Hull
When I moved back to RR in the 6th grade, I really knew no one. I was really trying to figure out what I could do to be at the cool kids table. I was walking to lunch going down the stairs. One of the kids said something nasty to the kid in front of me and it was a shot at the kids Jewishness. I joined in with the barrage of verbal crap. I'll never forget it, the kid spun around and looked right at me and said " why do you have to say those things " I can see his face, I can describe his shirt, I can still fell my flushed face. I've never wanted to feel like that ever again. I think of Kathy and I hope that we have done better with her. The story of the ticket for dinner was a comforting to read. Thanks for sharing that story.
Paige Henley (Reich)
And thanks to you, Doug, for letting us know how deeply felt that moment was for you. We have all had instant feelings of regret for something we did or did not do. We are imperfect human beings, but examining instances like these, learning from them, engenders the growth of compassion and empathy, making us stronger, better people. And, in this period of acrimony and disregard for others, it is such a sign of hope. On this Memorial Day weekend, it is very special indeed.
Peggy Toman (Siegle)
Beautiful message, Paige. Thank you, Peggy
Bob Berns
Wow…Doug’s message sure hit home! I imagine the kid was Fred Goldberg. Fred left the school district sometime while in high school. I remember well the teasing he would get and knowing him through Sunday School at our Temple, I felt very badly for him. On the other hand, I have to admit that I didn’t do anything to help him either. I suppose being the only other Jew in our RRHS class (that I knew of), I felt intimidated in that regard.
Although Jewish, I didn’t personally experience any antisemitism...but I didn’t publicize my religion. There were about 9 of us in the entire high school but being a minority brought me a certain amount of strength. It also helped me understand as an adolescent that not everyone is the same…and as diversity has increasingly become an important aspect of our society, that was a very helpful lesson indeed!
I echo Janet’s hope that everyone at the reunion will feel welcomed and special. May Kathy and all of our lost classmates rest in peace.
Geri Illes (Babcock)
GLAD TO SEE THE TRIBUTES MADE TO KATHY BUT SOMEWHAT SORRY TO SEE THE BEAUTIFUL POSTINGS MADE AFTER KATHYS DEATH, WHEN THOSE THOUGHTS AND WORDS COULD HAVE BEEN ACTED UPON IN HIGH SCHOOL AND AFTERWARDS. KIND OF MAKES ME FEEL GUILTY THAT I NEVER REALLY GOT TO KNOW HER.....HOW MANY OF US DID?
Betsy Fisher (Martin)
Wow, Bob, I remember Fred Goldberg very well. We used to play together as kids. He and Chuck Inglefield lived about a block from my house. He once told me that his dad had survived and escaped the Holocaust. As a kid, I had no idea what he was talking about. After that, I wanted to learn as much as I could about the Jewish religion. Thanks to him, I started to broaden my horizons about a lot of things! Kids say the meanest and unhurtful things just trying to be cool, unfortunately, once the words are spoken, they can never be unsaid!!
Jill Fife (Brown)
Kathy did have a good time at the 1996 reunion because I was talking to her and she told me. I think she felt confortable talking to me because we had known each other for so long. She did tell me at the reunion that she felt bad because her slip was showing!
Jill Fife (Brown)
Kathy had a hard time in school. Many students made fun of her and it was very hard for her. It is nice to see all of the nice comments about Kathy. It is too bad that she never got to hear them. For any one who gave her a hard time in school I hope that life has taught you of a better way of dealing with those who are struggling.