Hey everyone. On July 1st, 2009, I had an abdominal aorta anuerysm rupture in my stomach. The aneurysm had grown to about 8 cm, or the size of a navel orange. I spent 5 days in ICU and one additional day in the hospital. I am truly blessed to be here today thinking about making the next reunion. My heartfelt thanks goes out to the reunion committee and those who worked so hard to make the reunion a success.
As I went over the pictures, and remembered the ones that weren't there, I couldn't help think just how fast life can get away from us. and how close I came to being on that page of departed classmates at the next reunion. There are so many things that each of us wanted to do when we graduated over 40 years ago. How many of us have really lived and done the things that we wanted to do? Look at Elbert Greer! Wow!..... to live like he lives.... the jungle... the ocean... But looking back, I don't think there is much that I would change. I lived my life my way. The things I have done, are the things that have shaped me into the person I am today. If I didn't get the chance to say hi to any of you at the reunion, just remember, I was shy in high school, and am probably just as shy around some of you now as I was then. You know..... Like Malcom said, I love all of you. I know he does. We all accept Malcom for being who he is and wouldn't change anything about him. We love you too Malcom.
Sorry if this seems a little like I am soul searching, but remember, 80% of the 14,000 aneurysm ruptures each year end in death. I feel like this is my last chance to spout off. I know that when I moved to Memphis in 1964 that most of the kids around had grown up together. I was a little yankee boy from close to Chicago moving in to the area and had a hard time trying to fit in. I am proud to be a graduate of The Class of 69 of Frayser High. I wouldn't take anything for the experience and hope to see all of you at the next reunion. Remember, if I don't come up to you to say "Hi", just come up to me. I may have a new lease on life, but that still hasn't removed all of my shyness.
Dennis Lewis
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