Jo Ellen Duncan:
CLASS OF 1975
Bladensburg High SchoolClass of 1975
Bladensburg, MD
Bladensburg Junior High SchoolClass of 1973
Bladensburg, MD
Jo Ellen's Story
Life
I've been married now for 25-1/2 years. Lord - where did the time go? I have no children but I have three dogs; a boxer named Gator, she's 9 years old; a Red Dobermann Pinscher named Logan, she's 4 years old; and a German Shepherd named Storm, he's 4 years old as well. Both the Dobie and Shepherd are rescues. We just acquired Storm about 9 months ago. All three get along famously! My husband and I just moved into a new home in Woodbine, Maryland. I always thought that when you reached our age you were supposed to "downsize". Well - not us. All I can say is - Oh my God, what were we thinking??!! I work in Washington, DC for the federal gov't with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) (Homeland Security). Prior to the creation of Homeland Security ICE was two separate agencies; US Immigration and Naturalization and US Customs Service. I worked for Customs. So, in total, I only have 13 years with the government, which means I have a long time before I can think about retiring. Prior to working for the government I worked for my father inlaw for 10 years (he owned his own General Contracting company). I was the office manager (job title sounds impressive until you find out that I was the only person in the office). :) My dad died two years ago (boy, I really miss him). During his illness I helped my mom as much as I could by going with her to all of my dad's Dr. appts. and hospital stays. The one good thing about all of this is I was able to have alot of time with my dad and talk, laugh and cry. What a wonderful, wonderful opportunity to spend time him, tell him how much I loved him and let him know...Expand for more
I was so glad he was my dad. I can tell you, our family isn't good at expressing our feelings but my dad & I could tell each other "I love you" because of the time we had with each other. When my dad was in his last hours I was right by his side. He died at home, which is what he wanted. About 2 months prior to his death he was in the hospital, very ill. We weren't sure he was going to make it through. It was during this time that I asked my dad if he wanted me to pray with him and accept Christ as his Savior. To my wonderful surprise he told me he already had! Praise God!! I tell you that just to say - it's true when they say that Christ takes the sting out of death. I was very sad when my dad died but I knew where he was going and a peace came over me. It was amazing!! My father-inlaw has Alzheimer's Disease. He's in the middle of the last stage, which means he can't walk, feed himself, talk (except for unrecognizable jabbering), dress himself, etc. All he can do is lie in bed or sit in a "Geri" chair. He's at home and my mother-inlaw cares for him with the help of a male nurse that comes in twice a day. Please forgive the rambling on about my dad and father-inlaw. I would just like to stress how important family is. Please take the time and tell your family members how important they are to you. Don't wait until they're gone and say "I wish I had told them ...." Tomorrow may never come. I have a wonderful life, sometimes very trying, but all in all I can't complain. I am in good health, I have a good job, I have a husband that loves me and all of my family is in the area. I couldn't ask for more.
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Reunions
Jo Ellen was invited to the
2002 invitees
Register for Free to view all events!