Mary Lou Mace:  

Life Hello E.F.A. Classmates, Friends, Family, and Curiosity-Seekers! Please remember to let me know you were here. I believe there are NO accidents and things happen for a reason, which is why you are reading this right now. I have learned bad things do happen to good people, and good people do survive despite the obstacles they face. I guess that's why on Nov. 30, 2005, I was "chosen" to have a heart attack and why, I've had 11 cardiac procedures including getting a Pacemaker! I guess I'm lucky to be alive and have to believe that I am still here for a reason. (I think what actually happened was my heart had been "broken" so much it finally got tired and wanted to quit. ) In December 2013, I had total left knee replacement and in Feb. 2014 had total right knee replacement. January 2016, I rhad cataracts removed from both eyes and received IOC implants. I'm on my way to being the bionic woman! You were brought to my profile for a reason, and I am pleased and flattered you are interested in reading about me and my life, so be a sport, and let me know you were here! I'm still in the same house, I was in during high-school, still have the same phone number and have been back here since 1977. My short-range plans are to relocate to a smaller house, possibly in a different state. I was married for more than a dozen years, and then opted-out in the early 80's. I have a son and a daughter who both graduated from E.F.A. and 1 grandson (autistic) whom I have never met. He's my son's child and lives with his Mom in the Binghamton, NY area. My son lives in TN, my daughter is near Phoenix, AZ. Being forced into Disability Retirement after a car accident in September 2003, I spend much of my time on the internet, doing crafts, putting one foot in front of the other and trying to get through each day as best as I can. I was diagnosed with full-blown Fibromyalgia (FMS) in early 2004. My energy/activity level is determined by this incurable syndrome, CFS (chronic fatigue) and CPS (chronic pain). ( So much for being a type-A personality!) In 2015, another diagnosis related to chronic pain , polymyalgia rheumatica, was added to my health record. Due to this combination of symptoms, I had to put moderating the local FMS/CFS/CPS support group, something I had done for almost 10 years, on hold for a few years. At age 14, I discovered I had been adopted, and then spent several years in wonderment about my biological family. I finally located my biological brother a few years ago. He lived on John St. in Elmira before moving to Breesport at the start of high-school. He is a year older than I. As for my creative mind, I've had several poems appear in print... under the pen name, "LadyRosewood". My book of inspirational poetry has yet to be published though. I also dabble in writing music on occasion. Other than all that, I have, as of this date (3/18/2016) 4 feline "girls" who keep me busy and entertained. I still enjoy music and playing the piano, of course. My interests lean more toward Celtic Music, Baroque Music, and artists like Enya, Celtic Woman, and Celtic Thunder, etc., but I also enjoy Little Big Town, and the more modern cross-over country music. Once in a while, I enjoy nostalgic big band music. Thanks for stopping by, I would enjoy hearing from you! Please leave your name so I will know you were here.. Thanks! School Hey.. Thanks for your interest in my School Bio! First of all, in case anyone didn't know, my brother (actually adopted brother.. no bio-connection) Bob Cheesman also attended E.F.A. 1956-1960. Bob passed away in Feb 2004 from complications of ALS.. Lou Gehrig's Disease, a horrible, terminal illness for which no cure has been found. Seeing him deteriorate and succumb to this illness was an eye-opener for me. OK, now about my school years, especially high school. If there was a musical group, choir, band, etc., I was singing or playing an instrument in it, or the pianist for it. The blending of vocal harmonies or instruments was an enjoyable experience and I have the greatest memories of being a part of some of the best musical groups EFA has ever had. If you were in any of the groups, you contributed to their success! Having caring, musical directors ...Mr. Conover, Mr. Bentley, and Mr. Coccagnia made a tremendous impact on my life. They taught me to persevere and to give no less than 100% of myself to anything I attempt. Being the Drum Majorette for the EFA Marching Band was the highlight of my Senior Year, (actually there was another highlight, that involved a certain someone who unexpectedly and hurriedly joined the Navy...Expand for more