I had this idea to go back and look at my senior yearbook from high school in Derby and see what people had to say about me. It’s been a while since I’ve done that.
I think most of my friends liked me, which is a good thing. If most of your friends don’t like you, imagine what your enemies think.
Anyway, here’s a sampling of what some of those people had to say about me more than 30 years ago, with my comments in parentheses:
From Christine: "You’re really an unusual guy, but just the same I think your neat (this is how we talked then). It’s been fun in geometry, even during our fights (I was mouthy in those days).
From Vicki: "You’re a really wonderful guy. I never even talk to you any more (this is why she thought I was a really wonderful guy) but I really still think a lot of you. I don’t know what else to say except that you are a really wonderful person.” (The mystery of why Vicki thought I was such a wonderful person remains to this day).
From Ron: "To a fantastic baseball pitcher (got that right) and an all-around great person because you know German. (Yeah, I know German, laugh). Keep up the good work and perhaps you’ll be the only All-State pitcher who knows German.”
From Becky: "Bobby, to a great guy who is very good lookin’ (Becky wore bifocals). I hope we’re always friends.” (Lost track of Becky years ago)
From Charlene: "I don’t know where to really begin. But I guess I’ll tell you that all those times I seem like such a gripe, I’m just teasing you coz’ I knew it bothered you. Not for meanness, for fun. (How many times have I heard that from a woman since?) Really, Bob, you’re a really great person with a wonderful personality.”
From Miss Holsapple, the teacher who kicked me out of journalism class: "You are a good sports editor and I hope you keep improving with time. Good luck in the future with your journalism career.” (Well, Miss Holsapple, thanks for everything you did for me, like kick me out of the freakin’ class)
From my pal Doug: "You’re a great friend. We’ve had a lot of great times. Good luck on the radio.” (Doug later became a fortune teller)
From Ron: "We’ve had some great times together in school and sports. Even though we beat the heck out of each other, I know we’ll aways be great friends. (I’ve still got the scars to prove it)
From Diana: "Bob, I have no idea what to say to you. You are such a good friend of mine. Even when we get into fights and stuff, it’s fun. You really have a great, wonderful personality. I just love coming into journalism and fighting with you! (Are you seeing a trend?)
From Glennda, who has already made a rather nasty contribution to this blog: "Dear Bobby-do, everyone probably tells you you’re the funniest guy around and you sure are (I paid her to write that). I’m glad that I’ve gotten to know what a great guy you are. I’ll never forget that night, either. My cat’s in love with you (OK, I don’t know what happened but I need to find out).
And finally, from another Vicki, someone I went to grade school with: "To a really grouchy guy. You remind me of an old man.” (Some people just hit the nail on the head).
4 Comments
Bob? Mouth? Grouchy? Combative? Say it ain’t so!
What about Paul Schmidt? He didn’t have anything to say about his letter jacket?
Nice you had to go all the way back to high school to find an accolade. You say something about yourself, most of us would refrain from.
FUN! I just found your blog and intend to check in often. We have been away from Wichita/Derby for almost 8 years but think of it often and fondly. Thank God we can still ready the Eagle online.
Tough year for us - our Wildcats and our Panthers are both struggling. We know it is only temporary.
Keep the good news coming and quit picking on Bill!