Archive for the ‘Reunion Stories’ Category

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Class Reunions

Sunday, July 11th, 2010

classReunionIt’s hard to believe that we’re almost in mid-July! Where does the time go??? Trying to make connections with family and friends might be one of the reasons why summer flies by so quickly. There’s graduation celebrations, family reunions, weddings, class reunions, etc.

Class reunions. I’m sorry to admit it, but I’ve only attended one class reunion so far. I live in the town that I grew up in, stay in touch with friends, and honestly have had little interest in going to the class reunions. However, one my friends, Marie, recently attended hers and we talked about it.

Marie noticed that a lot of the “locals” didn’t attend. Yet, others made an effort to be there. Two people traveled by air, one person by train and the rest by personal vehicle. The out-of-towners were disappointed that the locals wouldn’t attend when all they had to do was show up–not travel for hours.

Marie and her classmates had fun looking through the old yearbooks. Little by little, because of existing friendships, they were able to note where most of their classmates are currently living, if they’re married, their jobs, etc. Out of a class of 150 people, nine have already passed away. Another nine or ten are seriously ill. That’s a wake up call!

There were easily twenty people whom no one had any information on. The postcards that were sent out regarding the class reunion were returned with “forwarding address unknown”. Marie said that she and her classmates were going to make a serious effort to find these twenty people and to see how they’re doing.

Marie asked how “I Still Remember You” works and I showed her the website. Hopefully in the near future she’ll begin posting searches. Wouldn’t it be awesome if she’s able to connect with a few of these missing classmates?

How about you? Who are you trying to connect with this summer? Is it a missing classmate from a class reunion? An acquaintance you’ve met at a wedding reception? A relative you’ve not seen in awhile? Let “I Still Remember You” help you with your search and make that connection.

Listen to your heart…

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Posted in Find friends, Friend search, Readers stories, Reunion Stories, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Post a Contact

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

It’s exciting to see our ‘I Still Remember You’ family growing in numbers! Whether you’ve recently became a member, or perhaps you’ve been a member for awhile, we encourage you to utilize the site. You can check and see who other members are searching for, you can do a brief search, and you can read the profiles of new members—maybe you’ll recognize someone!

One of the best features about the site is being able to post a detailed contact. This will help you the most in trying to locate a childhood friend, a missing relative, an acquaintance, etc. The more contacts you post, and the more details provided for each contact, the better your chance of reconnecting with someone.

Haven’t posted a contact yet? It’s easy! Once you sign in, click on your account (upper right corner). Go to the toolbar and click on “contact”. It will then ask you for information: person’s name (even just first name), description of the person, where/when you last saw the person, a photo of the person if you have one, and a brief message for the person.

Once you click on the “submit” button at the end, a male or female icon will appear on the chrono-geographical timeline. If you indicated that you met the person on a moving vehicle (i.e. plane, boat), it will show an icon of that.

Many of our first-time visitors explore the chrono-geographical timeline. Just imagine how thrilling it would be if the person you’re searching for checks out the site, clicks on the icons for his/her location, and discovers you’re looking for them!!!

So, how about giving it a try? It’s simple, takes just a few minutes, and it could be the key of finding that person you’ve been trying to locate. If you have any questions regarding how to post a contact or anything else with the ‘I Still Remember You’ site, please let us know. Our goal is to help you become reconnected with those who are important to you. When that happens, we share in your excitement.

Listen to your heart…

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Posted in Find friends, Find siblings, Friend search, Readers stories, Reunion Stories, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Turning Memories Into Connections

Saturday, March 13th, 2010

Are you thinking about searching for someone? Is there a person you’ve encountered and you just can’t stop wondering about him or her? Do you find yourself getting lost in thoughts of “what if”? Do you desire to be with someone?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, then what’s stopping you? Sometimes the other person doesn’t have a clue that you are interested in him/her. Weeks, months and years can go by and nothing comes of the relationship. However, if you take a chance on expressing interest in the person, the relationship might take off! And if nothing happens, at least you’ll ease the questions swarming around in your mind.

You’ve taken the first step by becoming a member of ‘I Still Remember You’. Have you posted your picture yet? People who have included a photo with their profile are much more likely to make connections, than those who haven’t. Have you used the “contact” function yet? Begin providing information for contacts. Maybe you’re looking for a childhood friend, an old boyfriend, a relative, or someone you just met on your commute to work.

We’re here to help you make those connections. Have a question? Post a comment and we’ll help you out.

So what are your “what if’s”? Is there someone you want to get in touch with? Let www.justisry.com help you!!! Let us help make yesterday’s memory, tomorrow’s destiny.

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Posted in Find friends, Find siblings, Friend search, Readers stories, Reunion Stories, Uncategorized | No Comments »

I Still Remember You Has A New Look!

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

We are very excited about the new look of our homepage! As people visit the I Still Remember You for the first time, they will see that we are a chrono-geographical search tool. They’ll see sample postings from you folks–the members!!!

The more people who become members, the better the chance of making connections. We really hope you’ll help spread the word about this website.

Thanks!

Posted in Find friends, Find siblings, Friend search, Readers stories, Reunion Stories, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Whisper “I Love You” Day

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

ILoveYouToday, is Whisper “I Love You” Day. I did a quick search on Google and there are sites that actually sell e-cards in honor of today! If you don’t tend to let family and friends verbally know that you love them, why not give it a go today? When you shock them with those three little words uttering from your mouth, you can also add a disclaimer, “Just trying to honor the day!”

But in all seriousness, why are we hesitant in letting people know that we love them? Why does it cause such an awkwardness? Perhaps you come from a family that freely says, “I love you” and hugs a lot. For some of the rest of us, “I love you” tended to be a form of good-bye when someone was headed off to the service, to college, etc. Within my circle of friends, we sometimes sign our cards “Love ya”, but rarely speak the words. When the words are spoken, it’s usually during a crisis or at a wedding.

Over the past few months, I have been trying to make more of an effort to let family and close friends verbally know that I love them. The usual response is “I love you too” or the person makes some sort of joke. Once in awhile someone will say that they really needed to know that someone loved them and cared.

If you’re like me and not used to saying “I Love You” a lot, how about challenging yourself? At least once a week, let someone know you love them. It might make a big difference in their day!

Listen to your heart…

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Posted in Readers stories, Reunion Stories, Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

CHILDHOOD FRIENDS

Friday, January 8th, 2010

friends-885Childhood friends…friends from the neighborhood, friends from school, friends from clubs such as Girl Scouts, friends from youth group…etc. Recently I was sorting through some old photos and came across a few pics of my friend Genene. Genene was my next door neighbor and we had the privilege of being neighbors since birth through high school!

Although Genene was three years younger than me, we usually got along just great. We had fun playing games together, cooling off in her wading pool, playing cops and robbers with the other neighborhood kids, and walking to school together. We even took turns having crushes on the boys on our street! One thing that we especially liked was when our parents would let us have sleepovers!

We would either camp out in the back of my dad’s station wagon or in her dad’s shed. I know that that sounds silly now, but back then, it was a treat! We “packed” for these sleepovers — scary books, munchies, flashlights, pillows and sleeping bags. We would either spend most of the nights spooking each other with the scary stuff or giggling over shared secrets. One time when Genene was reading a really really scary story, we thought we heard a noise. The windows were rolled down halfway. Genene stopped reading so we could listen better. We heard the noise again and suddenly the station wagon began to rock!!! Thinking it had to be a monster or a great big bear, we began to scream and scream! Then we realized it was my dad just having fun with us!

One thing that Genene and I did disagree on was playing Barbies. I enjoyed Barbies for awhile, but at the time I outgrew them, Genene insisted on playing with them! I remember spending hours pretending to be Barbie, Skipper or Ken. Eventually, she outgrew them as well. Whew!

I still live in the house that I grew up in. I went away to college and returned to the area to teach. Long story short…both parents have passed away and the house is mine. Genene’s parents still live next door. So anytime Genene comes home, we try to spend a little time together. She’s married now and has two children who get a kick out of our childhood days.

So even though we’re both grown up, we stay in contact. We “see” each other on Facebook almost every day. We send emails and cards from time to time and sometimes she comments on blogs from this site. I’ve been out to visit her family once. When there is a crisis in her family or mine, we’re there for each other. I couldn’t pick a better childhood friend!

How about you? What was one of your childhood friends like? Are you still in touch with that person? If you aren’t, how about considering doing a search for him/her on this site? Get reconnected and see what happens.

Listen to your heart…

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Posted in Find friends, Friend search, Readers stories, Reunion Stories | 6 Comments »

The Postcard

Monday, January 4th, 2010

As I was typing my last blog, “Persevere”, my mind drifted to a situation that I experienced several years ago, which still has an impact on me today…

During the summers of my college years, I was a camp counselor. I was assigned to the girls with the most emotional and mental needs. Although at times I felt that the other counselors had it a lot easier than I, I was appreciative of the experience and felt better equipped as I started my first year of teaching special needs children.

Traci, a ten year old, was able to attend camp for two of my summers. The first time with Traci was challenging. She didn’t trust anyone, was always hiding and constantly had nightmares. There were several nights that I calmed Traci and reassured the other girls that she was okay. On the morning that she had to leave camp, Traci initiated a hug, which was a first.

The second summer with Traci had its challenges as well. Traci was like my shadow and I literally tripped over her a few times! She didn’t want to participate in activities, but just wanted to talk. We would go for walks and I soon learned about how messed up Traci’s life was. I tried to offer her encouragement and tried to help build her self-esteem to be honest with someone at school about the home situation.

The school year started and I didn’t give camp any further thought. It was my first year of teaching and I needed to focus on that. However, in late October, our school mail deliverer, Paula, stopped by my classroom door. She asked if I ever was a camp counselor. I thought that was an odd question, but responded, “Yes.”

Paula then pulled out a postcard and said, “I guess this belongs to you. Could you read it and decide if it’s yours?” I looked at the postcard and it read,
Dear Miss Barb.
Thank you for being my counselor and my friend. I no longer live at home. I
have a new family because of you.
I never told you, but I love you.
I hope your first year of teaching is going well.
Traci

After I read the postcard, Paul had me flip it over. It was simply addressed to: Miss Barb and just the name of my town. Apparently the postcard was delivered to our town’s post office (even though there are three towns in the US with the same name), and when they read the line about teaching, they gave it to Paula to figure out which teacher it goes to.

I still don’t know if I was more shocked to hear from Traci or by the effort of the post office to find the owner of the postcard. Every couple of years I would receive a card or letter from Traci with updates about her life. She continued to use partial addresses, but at least had the state and zip code. Traci never put her returned address on her envelopes. I then received a beautiful letter from Traci letting me know that she was graduating from high school and would be attending college. She wanted to work with special needs children as well. In that letter, Traci gave me an address. She said that she never provided one before because she was afraid that her natural parents would somehow figure out where she was. Traci did extremely well in college. She’s now married and has two adorable girls. We keep in touch at Christmas time.

Traci will forever have a special place in my heart.

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Posted in Find friends, Friend search, Readers stories, Reunion Stories | 2 Comments »

Persevere

Friday, January 1st, 2010

Have you been trying to connect with someone, but feel like you keep hitting dead ends? A recent experience made me wonder how many times we only make one or two attempts to contact someone and then give up–never knowing if that third attempt would’ve worked.

I live in the Eastern part of the United States. Three weeks ago when I brought in the mail, I noticed that there was a piece of mail for someone else. It most likely was a Christmas card, given its shape and the cute snowmen stickers on it. When I studied the addresses, I was a bit puzzled. It was a card mailed from the Western part of the United States to someone located in the South-West of the United States. How did it ever end up in my mailbox? I wrote a little note on the back of the envelope, “Hope this reaches you in time for Christmas. Sorry, it took a detour to upstate New York! Barb” Then I mailed it in a nearby mailbox.

Two weeks ago, when I brought in the mail, ONCE AGAIN, the card was in my mailbox! Wondering if there was a mistake with the postal meter, I took it to the post office and asked what the meter reading was. Sure enough, it read my address on one side of the envelope and the correct address on the other side. (How my address got used, no one seems to know.) I was assured that they would get it fixed and would send the card to the rightful owner.

Two days ago when I stopped at the post office to purchase a few booklets of the “forever” stamps, the postmaster was excited to see me. She said that Lynda wanted to thank me. Lynda??? Yes, Lynda was the person who received the card. Apparently the postmaster added a note on the back of the envelope…”Sorry for the lateness of this card. Thanks to Barb it’s now in your hands.” She then signed it with, “PO (and the town’s name).” Lynda was so thankful to receive the card that she googled the town and called the post office.

When I commented to the postmaster that for just a Christmas card, there sure has been a lot of fuss over it, the postmaster got teary eyed and told me that it was a much needed card. She told me that she could tell me why or I could return Lynda’s call. Intrigued, I decided to call Lynda. I called the day after Christmas. Lynda, a woman in her mid-30s, told me that the card was from her sister April. Lynda and April had had a falling out ten years ago. Lynda sent her a card about five years ago, another one three years ago and then one at Thanksgiving time. In her cards, Lynda apologized for the falling out and begged her sister to put the past behind them. When Lynda read April’s card (and it was a Christmas card) there was a note explaining that Tom, April’s husband, never gave her the first two cards. He assumed that they were hurtful cards and didn’t want April hurt and further. However, when the third card arrived, April had brought in the mail that day and tore opened the card. She cried and cried when she realized that Lynda had been trying to make amends all these years. In April’s letter to Lynda, she too apologized and told Lynda that she loved her. She also asked if her children could meet Aunt Lynda in the new year. So excited to receive the card, Lynda decided to call April on Christmas Day. When she called, Tom broke down in tears and broke the news to Lynda that April had been hit by a drunk driver on Christmas Eve. She didn’t survive.

As I listened to Lynda share this heart-wrenching story, I broke into tears as well. And then Lynda said something so beautiful…”I know the reality of losing my sister hasn’t totally hit me yet. But, knowing that I have been given the gift of forgiveness and knowing that April loves me, will forever resonate in my heart. I’m no longer haunted with the “what if’s”. And Tom still wants me to meet my niece and nephew.”

Lynda then thanked me for writing the note on the back of the envelope and for making sure the card reached her.

Wow! I’m glad I did the right thing, but I’m so impressed with Lynda’s perseverance. She decided to make that third attempt to reach her sister and it resulted in a life-changing experience for her!!!

How about you. Is there someone whom you’ve been searching for? Don’t give up! Don’t just try once or twice. Keep trying and trying and trying until you make that contact! Utilize this site, google the person’s name, check Facebook…persevere, persevere, persevere.

Listen to your heart…

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Posted in Find siblings, Readers stories, Reunion Stories | 13 Comments »

The Gift

Friday, December 18th, 2009

christmas_clipart_bellChristmas is just one week away. Are you looking forward to the reaction on someone’s face when he/she opens the gift that you put a lot of thought into? Do you reminisce about past Christmases and some of the special gifts that you’ve received? This time of year makes me think about Isabella…

Isabella, an elderly woman, was feeling somewhat down. Her husband passed away two years ago and her children lived in different states. Her best friend just went into an assistive living facility. Rather than dwelling on these things, Isabella decided to haul out one of her closets and get rid of things that have been stored for decades. She began to pull out blankets, framed pictures, old souvenirs, books and other odds and ends.

In the far corner of one of the shelves, Isabella spotted a small box. Using her cane, she inched the box toward her until she was able to safely reach it. The box was a simple cardboard one, adorned with Christmas stickers. She took the box and sat down in a chair. Lifting the cover carefully, Isabella saw the white tissue paper with cute little drawings–a Christmas tree, Santa, a stocking and an angel. She instantly knew what was wrapped inside of the tissue. It was a bell given to her by her oldest son, Roger. Isabella removed the bell from the box and began to ring it gently. As it was ringing, a note fell out. In Roger’s eight year old handwriting, the note said, “Mommy, whenever you need a hug, ring this bell.” Isabella had no recall of ever seeing the note until that moment.

As she continued to gently ring the bell, her thoughts centered around Roger. He was such a thoughtful little boy, always caring for others. As a teen, he worked hard at a gas station. Roger got married in his 30’s and raised three children. Recently retired, he and his wife have been doing a lot of volunteering.

So lost in her thoughts, at first Isabella didn’t feel the hand placed on her shoulder. Then she heard his voice, “After all these years, you’re finally ringing my bell.” Realizing that Roger was in the room, Isabella turned around. Roger gave her a long hug and asked her to go downstairs with him. Gathered in her living room, were her children, their children and grandchildren! Isabella’s feeling blue quickly faded away as she talked and laughed with her family.

How about including a personal note with some of your gifts this year? You’ll never know when and how they’ll impact someone’s life.


Listen to your heart…

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Posted in Readers stories, Reunion Stories, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

The Locket

Friday, December 11th, 2009

How are you doing with your searches? Are you earnestly searching, or haphazardly? Do you have mixed feelings about actually locating someone from the past?

Why these questions? Earlier this week I was sorting out my jewelry box and came across a tarnished locket. At first I couldn’t remember where it came from, but as I opened it, so many memories gushed in! At the end of my junior year of high school, I went to England with a team for two months to help in a children’s home. Our team consisted of twenty students from different parts of the United States.

During the days, we were very busy with the children–teaching, playing, etc. In the evenings, we had socials that we attended with the “local” teens. It was fun getting to know new people. Toward the end of the second month, Steven started attending the socials. He was a tall, good looking guy and somewhat on the shy side. We spent a lot of time talking and of course I loved listening to his accent!

On our last night, Steven and I went for a walk. He told me that he really liked me and didn’t want me to leave England. We hugged goodbye and his hands lingered around my neck. I then realized that he had put a locked around my neck. In it was a small picture of Steven.

After I returned to the states, Steven and I corresponded for a few years. Then I received a letter letting me know that he had fallen in love and was getting married. We stopped corresponding. Yet, I continued to think about Steven from time to time.

Seeing the locket again, makes me wonder if Steven is still in England. Is he married and has family? Is he alone? Does he still think about me from time to time? I’m thinking about doing a search for him. If he is married, then just reconnecting as friends would be nice. I really do wonder how he is. If he’s not married….well, who knows!

So maybe you have a similar experience. Are you hesitant about locating someone? It might be the best decision you’ve made in a long time!

Listen to your heart…

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Posted in Find friends, Friend search, Readers stories, Reunion Stories | 3 Comments »

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