Carolyn Walker Freeman

Roger and I met in the Highlands Band and began dating in our Senior year. I went to San Antonio College one year and graduated from Southwest Texas State (Texas State) with a B.S. in Elementary Education in 1968. Roger and I married after our Junior year at SWT August 26, 1967 in a double wedding ceremony with my twin sister, Marilyn, and her husband Mike Welch. We have lived in San Antonio all but one year of our married life. We were blessed with two children, Shane and Mandy. After four years of teaching, we began our family. I quit my teaching job in Judson and stayed home with my children for ten years finding it so fulfilling being a mom and homemaker. When Shane and Mandy were both in school I went back to teaching. Our church had started a new school, and I had the joy of being part of the foundation. I taught right across the hallway from my twin sister, Marilyn! The bonus was Marilyn was my daughter's Kindergarten teacher! After eight years at Trinity Christian Academy I moved to Judson I.S.D. and taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Reading Recovery. I retired in 2006. Teaching was a wonderful profession, and I would do it all over again! It's so satisfying when you discover what you were created to do. Our family has been part of Trinity Church for over thirty years. Through the years we square danced, had leadership positions in Christian Marriage Encounter, Home Ministry, involved in Child Evangelism, taught Sunday School, Bible School, camp counselor, etc. Both of our children have college degrees...Shane, Engineering from Texas A&M and Mandy, Nursing from Mary Hardin Baylor. Roger and I have been blessed with one grandson and two granddaughters. They are the joy of our lives and certainly the crown of old age! The world would not consider me rich by its standards, but by God's standards I am wealthy and blessed.

Marilyn and I, being twins, had always dressed alike all of our lives. Our mother was a wonderful seamstress and made all of our wardrobe. As we began dating in High School and had a steady boyfriend, Mother would sew shirts for the guys to match our dresses. So instead of Marilyn and me being dressed alike, now we had four of us dressed alike. The guys were good sports and went along with it! As the years have passed I find it very humorous picturing all four of us walking down the hallways at Highlands High School.

I have very special memories of Mr. Turner, our Band Director. I'll never forget his warm smile and his kind spirit. He was also my church choir director and sang in Roger's and my wedding. We had some wonderful Band Reunions the few years prior to his death. I will always love and miss Mr. Turner. He was such a sweet friend, and he would make me want to be the best that I could be!

Other very special teachers were Miss Siptak who taught English and was our Chiroane sponsor. She was a friend as well as a teacher. Mrs. Eichling (sewing teacher), Mrs. Henderson (American History), Mrs. Camacho (Spanish teacher and sponsor of the Spanish Club), and Mrs. Lundeen (Biology). These teachers gave more to me than just a lesson from a book. In their own special way they gave life lessons from their own experiences. They left lasting impressions in my mind and heart and I am forever grateful.

Thank you to all of those who worked so hard to make our 45th Reunion such a success. It was great seeing everyone, but I wish I could have spent more time with each one I saw. There were a few I hadn't seen in 45 years like Nancy Doolittle, Bobby Gonzales and Johnny Eubanks. I'm so glad they were able to attend. A special gift to me was the extra time I got to share with Janie Griswold, Linda Richardson, and Lucy B. Hill. On Saturday morning, Roger, Janie and I drove all around the Southside and walked around Highlands reminiscing over our past. That was very special! My little photo album will help me relive this very memorable 45th Reunion. For all who missed this Reunion I hope to see you on our 50th. Love to all of you dear friends, and may you experience God's blessings until we meet again.