Where has the time gone?  I can not believe that 45 years have passed.  My life has been interesting to me, but I am not sure how interesting it is to other people.  After graduating from high school, I moved to Amarillo and went to Beauty School.  When I finished Beauty School, I married Jerry Stanley, and we traveled wherever the Air Force sent us for twenty-three (23) years.   We lived in Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, California, Puerto Rico, Kansas, New Mexico, England and North Carolina in that order.

I enjoyed traveling, meeting new people and experiencing different cultures.  When the packers came and I decided they were being nosey instead of helpful I knew it was time to give up the traveling and settle down.  We had four wonderful children along the way: Clinton, Suzie, Will and Matt.  We have a couple of great daughters-in-law and one son-in-law. They have given us 7 wonderful grandchildren.

We returned to Pampa in 1981, and I became a career person.  I worked for Panhandle Community Services, a non-profit agency for over 14 years.  During my time with Panhandle Community Services I was a Center Coordinator and Regional Manager.  I worked with many interesting people.  I like to think I helped a number become self sufficient and made life easier for a few of Pampa’s residents.  I worked and attended Clarendon College part time and earned an Associate in Science Degree in 1997. 

Due to budget cuts in 1997, Panhandle Community Services and I parted company. Since I knew there wasn’t much of a job market for me in this area I knew I had to find a new career.  Thanks to friends I found employment as a Correctional Officer for the State of Texas.  Being a Correctional Officer is totally different from any other job I have ever tried, but it is an interesting occupation. 

Now it has been 50 years!  That sounds old but I still don’t feel that old  After 45 years of marriage I went through a divorce.  I am finding there are benefits to single life.  I did find a shelter dog to replace my Ex.  I am the lady with the boat and camper, and I get to use them when and where I want to go. That is just one of the benefits to single life I have discovered. 

My children are doing well.  I am a great grandmother of a wonderful two year old boy.  He talks all the time, and Caden’s favorite word is No!  His parents live in San Diego.  His father is a Marine, and my granddaughter is working as an assistant manager of a Big Five sporting goods store. 

I am still working.  The job has increased to overtime one day on every set of my days off.  I am still taking care of my mom but she has gone down hill badly this year.  I won’t get to retire as long as she needs me to be here.  Then I will get to decide what to do with the rest of my life.

I do look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.

Margo