Karen Roy:  

After V.P., I attended the University of Guelph and received my B.A. in Psychology. I then took a drafting course, and was hired during my work experience time in a chain saw manufacturing company, which was right next door to where I lived. I loved it there, especially being able to use my illustrating ability and mathimatical appitude. It was challenging and fun. I was there not quite ten years when I had a heart attack at the age of 35 and chose to quit my job after finding I no longer had the stamina for the early hours and heavy reams of drawings, I hope old friends will remember me as an intelligent, kind, pet-loving individual. Animals are my passion. How do I blow off steam? Very successfully. I dish it out to the person responsible at that moment or as soon as possible. One of my favourite ways of relaxing is playing my piano. I sought out and found my grandmother's 1909 player piano that had been sold out from under her. I found it in Montreal and two weeks later, it was delivered to my door. When I heard the air brakes of the moving van coming down our country road, I left the supper table and ran out to meet it. Even my dad, who didn't play, lovingly tinkled a few keys. I could tell he was glad I'd pursued that dream. So many people in my family had played it; it was like giving a piece of them back to me. They are all dead now, except for me. I play by ear, but well enough to please myself and the dogs - they come and lay down at my feet as soon as I start to play. My Mom died 6 months after my heart attack in '88; then there was just dad and I for 18 years. We were the only "family" we had left. Dad passed away last Dec.17 and was buried Christmas Eve. For 27 1/2 years, I also lived with my partner, Eileen, who was 22 years older than I am. And over the years, we'd had many, many dogs and cats. My biggest surprise in life: the discovery and acceptance of my sexuality and subsequent ability to appreciate the best in both worlds, which is the title of my published autobiography: "The Best of Both Worlds". I'm presently writing it's sequel: "Love is Not Enough". . You asked me what happened to my first crush. She was my grade 3 teacher who I found again this past Christmas night. I was one of the students in her first year of teaching: 1961. We are constantly in touch and very eager to see each other very soon. My best friend would tell you I am consumed with bitterness, from the lack of understanding I received from, not my peers at VP but three of the so-called mentors being paid to guide as well as teach. Thus, as I said, I learnt from the best to give back what I...Expand for more