Connie Graham:
CLASS OF 1964
Miami Jackson High SchoolClass of 1964
Miami, FL
Melrose Elementary SchoolClass of 1958
Miami, FL
Connie's Story
After three years at University of South Florida, post high school, I married, thinking I would finish my degree before the year was out. Didn't happen. Married a preacher who was called to serve a church in Ocala, FL. Four children and several moves later, I finally finished my degree and began teaching (a little late!), but in time to put in 24 years before retiring in May 2009.
After my second divorce (I will never give up on finding Mr. Right!) in March of 2009, and retiring that May, I am now thoroughly enjoying the freedom of the retired life, getting to travel (went on my first cruise in October 2010/the next one in November of 2011) and do what I want to do!!. Now I have time for hobbies, visits with special friends and especially for time spent with my eight grandchildren, with another on the way, due in early April 2013 (and two great grandchildren) No, I am not that old!!.
About never giving up on finding Mr. Right?
Well, it seems that after waiting patiently, I have now reconnected with my first true love, the man who took me to my Jackson Senior Prom almost 50 years ago. Eugene Peer Millar first came into my life even before that, but after entering the Coast Guard in January of 1964, he was stationed on Miami Beach, started attending my church and we began dating that spring of my senior year. He was transferred to St. Petersburg shortly after I arrived at USF. So, we continued dating throughout my first year of college. Decisions about the future for us were put on hold because neither of us wanted to marry before we finished both college for me and the military for him. Then, we went our separate ways. He married another Connie, I married a man whose birthday was the same as his, and our families knew each other through the years. His wife passed away in late March 2010 and our paths continued to cross, until he decided it was time for him to start 'dating' again.
After a very brief time, we decided we didn't want to spend another minute apart and on January 18, 2014, we married in a perfect ceremony at the historic Hay House in Macon, GA and are loving every minute of our married life. He gained four children, two of their spouses and 9 grandchildren, 2 greats; and I gained two children, with their spouses and two grandchildren. Our merged family is enjoying getting to know one another all over again. What blessings we are sharing now.
Looking forward to seeing our classmates on our 50th reunion cruise April 24-28, 2014.
Now to address some of those story wizard questions!
I hope old friends remember me as the cheerful, caring and semi-talented classmate who always had time for them.
I always wanted to be an actress, but found my true calling was in teaching; first with my own children as they were growing up, then with my students during my 23 years as a kindergarten, high school English, American Government, Behavior Disorders, and Orthopedically Impaired Special Education teacher.
I love communicating and getting together with family, old friends, former classmates, and co workers.
I have lived mostly in FL and GA...Expand for more
. After moving to GA in 1970, I lived in several city and country settings, until I moved to Macon, GA in the summer of 1990. My first divorce was in late 1990. I have lived in the same old house (111 years old now) since March of 1991. I remarried in 1994.
My biggest surprises involved the fact that I would go through two divorces: even though I was of the mindset that I would only marry once, and have a long, loving marriage, similar to the 67 years my parents shared together. But, some things occur in your life that give you no choice but to leave. Those were the things that happened to me. Big surprises indeed! Could share the details in emails of those who wonder about that.
Most people would be surprised, knowing the things I have been through, to find that I remain cheerful and optimistic in my outlook on life.
I recently added on to my house, so that I can 'grow old' here, but I am not expecting that to happen for a great number of years. Life is too lovely to think of growing old.
Have recently written my favorite teacher and sponsor of Opti-Miss, when I was in school, Barbara Goleman. She was later named National Teacher of the Year. She is a remarkable person to this day! She was probably the greatest influence on my teaching career.
After getting a master's degree in 2002, I achieved National Board Certification and became an Exceptional Needs Specialist under the guidelines of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. In 2005 and 2007, I served as the GA Team Leader for Hill Day activities for the National NBPTS Conferences in Washington, D.C.
I have recently added to my interests and hobbies in retirement!! My former theater interest, dating back to our high school years, has surfaced once again. I have participated in several productions of community theater. The first was "The Sound of Music" back in the spring of 2009, and the second was a locally written and produced Christmas musical, "Traditions." Again in 2013, I played Auntie Em in the local production of "The Wizard of Oz", this time accompanied by my grandson, Gideon. About twenty years ago, I wrote and directed a historical drama, "Watersheds and Traces," produced by the city of Culloden in 1987 and 1989, so I had not completely abandoned my theatrical interests altogether, but had not experienced the joy of involvement for many years. Through the years I took up videography, becoming the team videographer for Macon's hockey team, The Macon Whoopee, from 1996-2000.
I have discovered a renewed interest in craft work; resorting this year to making gifts involving crocheting, painting, sewing, beading, and anything else that strikes my fancy!!
In an attempt to get healthier as I get older, I have managed to lose 30 pounds, with another 20 to go. It has lowered my blood sugar, blood pressure and generally changed my outlook. I have always been positive, but now I feel younger that ever, and am enjoying a healthier retirement!
One thing I have found out, is that we never get too old to try new things. That is essentially what keeps us young!!
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