How Much Do Your Memories Mean to You?

One of the fundamental reasons for all class activity, discussion, reunions, is to create and enjoy memories. In fact, it is probably the entire reason for doing any of this. I know that Linda and I have truly had a blast in seeing the Reitz Class of 1967 enjoy this rebirth of class spirit. I might point out the sad fact that some more recent Evansville high school classes cannot muster enough classmates for a reunion without joining several class years together, you know the Class of 65, 66, and 67 reunion sort of thing.

And then there are the family memories. Grandparents, parents, siblings, children, grandchildren and even some great grandchildren in and out of our lives weaving the delicate fabric we each call our lives.

And then there's work memories, for better or worse. Bosses, jobs, foremen, coworkers, subordinates, private contractors, consultants, all those things that go into careers in a lifetime.

Memories all.  I remember a Star Trek: Next Generation episode where Dr. Beverly Crusher finds herself surrounded by disappearing shipmates for whom the computer suddenly has no memory. One by one, her friends and shipmates disappear until she is alone with Captain Picard who has no memories of any crew except for the two of them. She begins to question her sanity and cries out in frustration. Even this little episode synopsis is a memory.

That is what is happening to Steve Jarboe. Each little stroke he has strips him of chunks of memories, those little things we hold so precious; those moments we remember that make life worth living. So Madison, his daughter has devised a plan to help him hold on to those memories, a memory book, filled with your memories of Steve, things you did together with him, moments you shared with him. She got a letter to us describing what she is trying to do:

Okay, just to recap, I want to gather stories about my dad from anyone and everyone who knew him to compile into a book to give him this year. As most know, he has had some health issues that, especially recently, have affected his memory. I think it would be wonder ful to show him the memories that others have of him and for his family to have a nice keepsake.

How many stories a person sends in is up to them and the amount of time they have to put them together. I would like for them to be typed if possible (for easier reading) and to have the sender’s name included on each one just in case something gets jumbled together when I’m organizing everything. If multiple people have a shared memory of my dad and want to write it together as one story, that is fine! Just so long as everyone’s name is on it. Everyone is also more than welcome to write a letter to my dad, either to go with their stories or in place of a story.

I would love to have at least one photo from each person, even better if it is of them and my dad or goes with a story. But at least a photo of themselves to go with their stories. The amount of stories they send up is up to them as well, but the more the better. It would be greatly appreciated if any pictures sent could be labeled with the sender’s name and any caption they want to include (or instructions for which story it accompanies.

I will be figuring out printing options in the meantime and will be organizing the book pages as I collect everyone’s memories to put into it. Stories and pictures can be sent via email or mailed. It doesn’t matter too much whether they sent them to you or me as long as I get them in the end. If someone prefers to mail their stories I would appreciate it if they could call one ofus to let us know that they have sent them so we know that they have sent them, just in case anything gets lost in the mail. Here is my contact information if anyone has questions or wants to send their stories and photos directly to me.

So, friends and classmates, let us send those stories in to us via email or snail mail and we'll get them to the Jarboes in Kansas or send them directly to Madison:

Madison Jarboe

10017 W. 68th St

Meriam KS 66203

Help the Jarboes rebuild Steve's life by rebuilding his life's memories of Reitz and you. Here is something that costs nothing but means so much. We know we can count on all of you.