Stephen Owens:  

Life After NCCHS, I worked at the NC State Hospital for 1 1/2 years-yuck! I went to college in Missouri just to get away from home. Partied and chased girls for 2 years, and they said they had taught me all they could on those subjects, so they asked me to leave. Ha! Little did Don Argue know (whom I respect immensley) that the friendships cultivated at Evangel would become life long! Joined the Navy coz' I needed a paycheck, and even had orders to the White House Communications Staff after advanced schooling. But instead, got ran over by a BIG car!(ouch!) and spent a year in the Navy Hospital in Pensacola. 5 1/2 months in traction and 5 months in a body cast. Second time I had to learn to walk. Over the years, I have had 13 knee surgeries, including both total replacements. 3rd time I had to learn to walk again. Worked in automotive and retail management for 23 years including Parts Managers, District Managers, and an AutoZone manager in 3 states, including hometown New Castle. My health was declining, so the last 3 years I worked at the VA Hospital in Melbourne, Florida taking care of 7 psychiatrists, and the vets. Loved it! VERY rewarding! In 2002, I had my 2nd total kee replacement, and retired on disability at age 50. I have a very nice pension, and luv to world travel. I've been to Japan 5 times recently. Like to hang out at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, LOVE to go to the Florida Keys,and anywhere there's water or mountains! but I can't do the cold and snow anymore. I read constantly (mysteries) or war history, and am working on 2 books, both fiction. I have 30,000 words completed on one, 28,000 on the other. Will probably never be published, but hey, it's cheap therapy. I always wanted to be a architect when I grew up. My family and friends thought that was a stupid idea, as nobody in my family had ever been to college. As it turns out, they were RIGHT!. Chrysler High did not prepare anyone for college, much less life! Though I DO only have fond memories of my 7 years there! Ha! Just kidding! I blow off steam by working HARD in my yards, or laying around the pool! The one person from my past who I'd most like to see again is Steve Beatty, because he is SO cool!. My current age is 70. When I was 12, I thought that people my age were SO darn old! I was SO completely right. BUT, I'm still 19 inside, and I do darn well for a broken down bag of bones. My best friends would tell you I'm hilarious, life of the party, leader of the pack, but people who don't know me very well would probably describe me as shy. Yeah, REALLY! At college I sat at a different table of people every day in the cafeteria, forcing myself ...Expand for more