Thursday, August 22, 2013

thoughts of school spirit

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

Last weekend, Andrew and I attended my 20 year high school reunion. It was a fun night, and it was endearing to see several people that I had shared my childhood with, and to learn that they were doing well.

Throughout the evening, there was an ongoing slide show of our different high school activities, such as prom, spirit week, the annual food drive, senior pictures, sporting events, and just daily activities like lunch and going to class. Being reminded of these events, I couldn't help but think of Cyn, because she was so incredibly involved in all of her own high school activities.

During the weeks leading up to the reunion, I couldn't decide whether I really wanted to go or not. One small factor in ultimately choosing to go was the notion that Cyn was smiling down from above and would be proud of me for going, since she undoubtedly would have attended her own. Actually, she probably would have been one of the folks to help coordinate the event, since she had served as Senior Class President of her graduating class.

As I was wavering back and forth about whether or not to attend, I am certain that Cyn was one of the voices in my head saying that it would be fun to go. So I appreciate that she reminded me of how fun it is to express a little bit of school spirit, and I'm indeed glad that I went. Go Titans!

Friday, August 2, 2013

thoughts of payless shoe source and great america

shared by Arlene Rabuy, her sister

When Cyn was growing up, she was one of five female cousins who dubbed themselves “the FLI Girls”. The other members were Diana, Inez, VJ and TheresaI want to say they got the name from the show "In Living Color", but I'm not sure.

Theresa has described a little about their group in a previous blog entry. Although I was not an official member, they treated me like some sort of honorary member, as I was often the one driving them around.

I have a distinct memory of taking all of them to Hollister to take group pictures. I also recall bringing them to Payless Shoe Source to buy beige boots so they could all match. Then there was their infamous trip to Great America, which I think our whole family will always remember.

The FLI Girls also performed dance routines at the Golden Anniversary for our grandparents. They held secret meetings in our 15 passenger Dodge van when it was parked on the side of our house. They even had nicknames for each member.

Cyn always had special relationships with each person in her life, and her cousins were no exception. I have fond memories of the FLI Girls, and am happy to have been considered an honorary member.