Sharon Gehman:
CLASS OF 1970
Falls Church High SchoolClass of 1970
Falls church, VA
Sharon's Story
Those who didn't know me well probably remember me as "Mr. Todd's daughter." Unlike my elder sister, I was awkward and shy, outspoken and a book-worm. I had a circle of close girlfriends by my senior year, was known as "Roni" and had gained some facility for verbal barbs.
I graduated from VT in 1974 with a BA in Philosophy and a minor in Religion. By then, I had smoothed off some of my social rough edges, having learned to mimic confidence in public. I am still a fiercely loyal friend, instinctively honest, and too outspoken for tact at times. I still read more than I talk, although I can talk quite persuasively when I want to do so.
Upon graduation I taught Religion at Roanoke Catholic High for two years (I'd converted around the end of high school/early college and become very involved with the campus Newman Foundation and the Diocese of Richmond Campus Ministry.) I had begun dating a college freshman my senior year and we continued to date/become engaged and were married in December of 1976.
Vic has since completed BS, MS, PhD in Physics and a MS in Materials Engineering. We have five grown children, four boys; one girl. He is a senior scientist working for the Navy at an R&D base in Dahlgren. I have been a homemaker/full-time mom. Additionally, I have been a drama-mama, Cub Scout den leader, Band-Booster president, soccer-mom, swim-team mom, CCD teacher, Chapel Choir member, Library Friend, and La Leche League Leader...among other roles played. Mostly I have been a formidable advocate for my children and (occasionally) my husband.
We still live in our shabby, cluttered, home in Dahlgren (think of a combination hobbit-hole and Weasley's "Burrough") surrounded by a multitude of books and DVDs. My health and Vic's back have taken a bit of a down-turn, but I swim laps and do water aerobics for exercise several days a week and putter around trying to stave off entropy in my household.
Our youngest (only daughter) is sort of attending community college ("sort of" due to a really bad injury to her foot in 12/06, from which she is still recovering) and our youngest son is attending JMU ...Expand for more
studying Geology. #1 son is a PhD Physicist at Los Alamos, NM; #2 manages the largest Verizon Wireless store in Houston; #3 was a Marine right out of high school, but was injured in training and is still trying to find his career--probably in Security or Police work. (A sad update on #3 son: last Spring he suffered various odd and extreme symptoms and it turned out that he had suffered both a series of small strokes and three or four significant strokes. It was discovered that he had a hole between the top chambers of his heart--which was repaired--but his symptoms continued and it turns out that he also has a blood clotting problem--causing him to clot too readily. Currently, he is unemployed, disabled and depressed. Vic and I are doing what we can to help and would welcome any prayers on our son's behalf.) A year ago, November, he did marry his sweetheart with the five children from a previous bad marriage. She had back surgery for a work-related injury last February, so she too is unemployed, disabled and depressed. The financial and other stress makes it harder for both to heal and the slow healing insures that the financial and other stress continues. *sigh* (But I am now an "official" grandma) #4 son graduates from JMU 12/12. (Huzzah!) He is applying to grad schools and will continue to live in Harrisonburg for a few more months. Also, my mom has been living with us since Daddy died, shortly after Molly was born, so I've got plenty to keep me busy!
Blue (formerly Betty Trapp) talked me into attending the 30th reunion in 2000. It was good to see folks and to discover how much we all had in common. (In high school I'm certain that I was considered "odd" and out-of-step with my peers. Correctly!) My only complaint with the reunion was that I wished that I'd had more time to talk with people and really catch up! I suspect that we would all like each other better now than we did while still in high school, struggling to survive and grow up.
Vic and I celebrate our 33rd Anniversary this December. With all the ups and downs, I consider myself a fortunate, happy and fullfilled woman.
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