Deb Douglas (Sheridan):
CLASS OF 1975
San Manuel High SchoolClass of 1975
San manuel, AZ
Gilbert High SchoolClass of 1975
Gilbert, AZ
Holy Cross AcademyClass of 1975
Kalaheo, HI
Oracle Junior High SchoolClass of 1971
Oracle, AZ
Deb's Story
2015 UPDATE
It's been approximately 10 years since I last wrote a brief summary about myself. As I write this update, to sum things up in a sense: 1) not much has changed in those 10 years; and 2) a lot has changed since then. Doesn't make sense since they contradict each other.
For 10 years nothing changed: I continued to be a workaholic...half my life was devoted to work and after work the other half of my life was devoted to home taking care of my kids, doing the best I could as a single parent. Hasn't always been easy (especially during those trying teenage years), but there you have it. A lot of ups and downs (fortunately more ups than downs during that time) sometimes wondering if I was a good parent since I had to take the role of both mother and father. Fortunately, I was blessed with friends who'd help out in a pinch.
Over 10 years, primarily within the last couple years, a lot has changed: My son joined the Army, got married and divorced, served overseas in Afghanistan, and 3 weeks after turning 23 years old in 2014 he passed away while on active duty, not in combat. Needless to say, my world turned upside down and to this day I feel his loss as strongly as I did the first day. Since then, I have come to learn what an extraordinary young man he was (which I already knew) and how much of an impact he had on a lot of people's lives. In January 2014 he posted on facebook, "When you have friends, you have family." He had a large family filled with friends from all over. My daughter moved to California to live with Mom and be her caregiver. She provided much comfort for my Mom and provided Mom with much needed companionship. Mom passed away unexpectedly this year, which has been tough on my daughter having lost her brother last year and her Grandmother this year, along with receiving news that her stepmom's cancer has returned. Myself...where do I begin?! I've had some health issues over the years; however, after my son's death I was diagnosed with early stages of endometrial cancer (surgery removed all signs of cancer), ended up in the ER with a bacterial infection which would have shortened my life if I had not gone to the hospital when I did (lots of antiobiotics and 3 days in the hospital), and have been diagnosed with a thoracic aorti...Expand for more
c aneurysm (too small to operate, so it's being monitored). I was struggling emotionally and physically, so decided it was time to retire/semi-retire under disability. I packed up and moved out of Washington, picked up my daughter in California, and moved back to Arizona to be closer to family and friends.
So, there you have it...not an exciting life, but mine nonetheless. Throughout all the good and bad, I am the end result of all I've gone through...these things have made me the person I am today...I am still me (just more appreciative and, hopefully, wiser). One thing I have learned...live life to the fullest, because there is no guarantee about tomorrow. Make those memories, because they will live on far longer than any money you have in your pocket. Make a difference.
----------------------------------------
2005 UPDATE (approximate)
It's amazing how nostalgic I have become since I am getting older (not old...contrary to what my kids say!). I can't believe that it has been over 30 years since I graduated high school; heck, it just seems like it was just a few years ago.
I've kept in touch with a few of the friends that I have made over the years, but unfortunately I have lost track of quite a few along the way...life has a tendency to do that sometimes.
Brief summary (sort of): I finished school in 3-1/2 years, but I graduated with my class in 1975. I wanted to join the service, but they had a waiting list so I went to work instead. Eventually I did join the USAF in 1977 and I still remember "boot camp" after all this time! I made the most of my time in the service and did enjoy my tour of duty...stateside at March AFB in Riverside, which is no longer a base! I joined the USAF with the intent of retiring, but love got in the way so I got out and joined the Air National Guard instead.
Well, as some marriages go...mine went. No regrets. It was great while it lasted, but life moves on and so did I. I've lived in several different states over the years and have lived for the last 10 years in Washington state. I plan to retire in Arizona where my heart is and to definitely reconnect with some friends from long ago. Well, time to sign off for now.
If there is anyone out there who remembers me, just drop me a line and say "hello"!
Register for Free to view all details!
Reunions
Register for Free to view all events!
Photos
