Diane Cherry:
CLASS OF 1960
Acalanes High SchoolClass of 1960
Lafayette, CA
Diane's Story
Our nation has been at war, overtly or clandestinely, ever since we "war babies" were born. This life-long background of ceaseless conflict has, for me, instilled a deep desire to promote peace. "Peace, let there be peace, let it begin with me," is a lyrical mantra which I wholly embrace.
Leaving "Pleasantville" for U.C. Berkeley was a radical experience: I was fascinated to learn about distinctions I never knew existed. Two life-changing events distinguish the '60's: (1) The murder of John F. Kennedy, which thoroughly divested me of my political naiveté, and (2) The birth of my son, Michael, who is a constant source of joy and wonder.
We all had to leave home to find our own. During the 70's, my son called me "Queen of the Bohemian Gypsies." After awhile in the southwest, we settled in the Sierra Foothills. I declared 1976 as my personal year of independence: found a community of like-minded people, bought land, and built our small cabin with hand-tools. The surrounding forest is sanctuary to all creatures who come.
When a local community radio station was established, it didn't take long to recruit me. It was a perfect fit with my love of music and my passion for seeking out the truth between the lines in news stories. Over 20+ years, I was deeply involved both in programming and in the station's administration.
Travel is a constant in my life, a vital part of my being. In 198...Expand for more
6, I was able to go to Tibet. I spent nearly a year exploring Asia, learning much about other cultures and gaining new insights into our own.
My long-time love affair with Mexico led me to San Cristobal, Chiapas, on New Year's Eve, 1993-94, to welcome the Zapatistas onto the Mexican political landscape .It was an amazing stroke of luck to be the only foreign journalist there at that moment. I returned in 1997-98 but, when my son's young wife died, I came home to be Abuela-in-residence. "Activism begins at home" is another mantra which directs my life.
My brother, Rick, and I went to Vietnam in 2004 to revisit the places where he had been during the war. It was a cathartic experience for us both. During the Vietnam War, my family was a microcosm which contained every conceivable attitude expressed by families across the nation. It was good to have the opportunity to view issues of that era from another, more mature, perspective.
My family, as it was in 1960, no longer exists. I'm grateful that I was able to be with all of them during their last months. They were my best friends, my harshest critics, my most stalwart defenders, if need be. I am learning to be content with my memories.
My journey to selfhood over the past 50 years has led me to seek truth and beauty combined, has taught me the value and price of ethics, has given me joy and pain beyond any I might have imagined.
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Register for Free to view all yearbooks!
Reunions
Register for Free to view all events!
Photos
