Highlanders, I have not had a chance to stop and gather my words on today. I have spent all afternoon with my sister/friend Brenda Taylor who drove, all the way from Tulsa, just to support me on last night. Im just now having a moment to think, reflect and share. But, I want you to know, I cried like a baby TWICE on last night. First, when I had to hug Michael Ellsworth for the last time and say our goodbyes. Mike and I are Pioneer Park Panthers and Mike was the VERY FIRST person to register as soon as registration opened. It meant so much to me that HE trusted ME and believed in ME enough to support my endeavor. Second, when I got home and began to think of what a blessing this whole reunion had been to me. I have never had so many hugs, and kisses, and genuine words of thanks and appreciation. It was an awesome feeling! I have no words to describe how incredible it made me feel! So many thanks are in order and I will give a proper thank you to ALL those who were a part of this grand reunion occasion. Nonetheless, seeing classmates that I have not seen in 25 years was overwhelming! Honoring our classmates that have gone before us was so very touching. Our former teachers looked amazing! Classmates that came and helped me in my 11th hour! Darla Gipson Watson, Katrina A Gunter, and Miss Sydney Gunter, I could NOT have done this without you all! Sonja Singleton Sanders, thank you so much for decorating the memorial table and for providing the banquet centerpieces. We looked fabulous in our beautiful shirts printed by Mr. Dwight Singleton of Singletons Shirts. Anotei McAtee Baatz, you are freakin amazing!!! I am loving the pics and I love your spirit!! When I decided to take on this 25 year reunion project, I had a vision of what I wanted this milestone event to be. I immediately set my bar pretty high, unfortunately, I didnt FULLY consider the amount of resources needed to plan, organize, and make it all happen. I just knew everybody was going to be SUPER EXCITED, like me, and registrations were going to go thru the roof but, unfortunately, they didnt. However, I was bound and determined to see MY vision thru to the end, AT WHATEVER COST, and I did!! LOL Therefore, I was so grateful for the beautiful card and monetary gifts that were given to me from those who were present AND from some who were unable to attend. A HUGE Thank You is definitely in order and your kindness will NEVER be forgotten. I am a writer, at heart, and a very emotional soul so I can write and write at length. However, on today, I will just say Thank You. Again, the biggest thank you to my very loving and supportive husband, of almost 22 years, Lamont Slaughter for your patience, understanding, and your assistance to me when I needed you the most. To our 3 children Wes, Jonathan, and Madison thanks kiddos! Mommy loves you sooooooooo much! (They know the REAL deal behind the scenes! LOL) Thank you to Ms. Jaisha and Mr. JD with Cameron University Conferencing Services. The facility was beautiful and the food was delicious!! Also, thank you to EVERY classmate, EVERY teacher, EVERY family member, EVERY business, and EVERY sponsor for being a part of this silver reunion celebration and for making it both meaningful and memorable. Im passing the torch! Hee-Hee! Whos got the 30th reunion???? LOL ;) Much love to all, Esther Slaughter 2014 Reunion Organizer
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 12:22:28 +0000