Juanita Bardowell:
CLASS OF 1972
West High SchoolClass of 1972
Garden city, MI
Juanita's Story
How many people after 55 get to reinvent themselves and CHOOSE to be different, truly different with the support of all around them? I actually had therapists cheering for me after going through a windshield in 2007 and battling my way back from the head injury.
Voila!!! I went from grey-haired domesticated shy to LOUD and outgoing little queen! And the best part? My little French Cajun mother is still alive and applauding also. She always hated how shy I was. Now my extended family stare at me and laugh suddenly exclaiming, "OMG, you grew up to be just like Mamun!" (and my mother loves it!)
Fortunately for me, my mother has devotees and followers all across the nation. She is adored and admired by thousands ... ha! I could have done far worse!!! And I like my hair dyed to match my daughters. Makes me look stunning and serves to warn all comers ... Anita is not shy and WILL respond. Hee hee!
But the fun stuff is shopping, dressing and learning to handle myself as a Queen. I sometimes have to remember my mother and step out posing as her inside my head ... then I relax and find myself in the role. I love it. When I m...Expand for more
ake a social faux pas, I get to claim "amnesia-victim" relearning her social skills. People correct me and give me hints on avoiding pitfalls. It is awesome! I appreciate their kindness. But you can imagine the negatives a bit now ... right?
To be past 55 and have no street smarts? To not be able to decipher body language? To have your own body thinking it is 35 instead of your real age? The discrepancies are violently awkward and often can be hazardous. I find myself at times being stalked through the stores by angry men. Did I fail to read their signal? Sometimes they are just puzzled and ask why i would smile if I was not being open to their approach? I smile like a child ... and it causes problems at times.
I love pretty clothes and silks. I am surrounded by women who wear grey and black and only t-shirts with jeans. My soul aches at the lack of color and style. I wonder what on earth has happened to American women that they do not dress as if they could dance. I want to dance! I want to keep dancing until there is no breath left in me. And I most certainly want to be a little Queen ... admired but also respected.
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