Kathleen Nelson:  

Following graduation in 1962, I worked at the Gardner and Graver Hotels as desk clerk/hostess. While working the Gardner, I met my future husband (although I didn't know it at the time), who was attending NDSU, and whose family lived in WA State. The summer of '63, a lifelong friend and I left for CA, the state of my birth. We arrived in Santa Barbara, where we were getting an apt. and jobs. However, my friend felt homesick and returned to MN. I decided to visit my hotel friend in Yelm WA (between Olympia and Tacoma). That friend and I were married in Nov. '63. Our four children were born in '64, '66, '69, and '72. We were always in business until his death in 1983. We were both pilots of single engine air craft, and he crashed a Cessna 206 on a grass strip (he hit the top of a douglas fir on a go around). Lots happened after that. Three of our kids were along with us. They and I were hospitalized with various injuries. My children helped me with the business until they were all educated and married. We sold and I went to college (finally!). My degree is in education. I subtaught school, decided I didn't want to teach full time and became a flight attendant. Now, that was fun! I enjoyed flying, the passengers and my fellow crew members. I planned to continue for many years. However, the best laid plans....Feb. 2008, I was given a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. I was fortunate to be able to be treated at the Mayo Clinic, Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ. The staff there is great! I was living in Apache Junction, AZ in the winter and any other time I wanted to go there. Cheez, I lost the bottom half of my story. Bummer!I'll rewrite it: Anyway...August, 2008, my youngest son, Mark went to critical care in Oly, WA. I flew to his side immediately, and was told he...Expand for more