Oakland High School

The high school in Oakland is being torn down this week.  So many memories, some happy, some sad but 

all were shared with friends.  I wouldn't have traded going to a small school for anything.  Yes we had less than 50 students in our graduating class.  But you know what, we knew everyone's name and where they lived.  When my children were going to school here I didn't have to worry who their friends were, because I knew them and their parents.  Did we miss out on anything, probably, but I don't know what it would be.  I choose to think we got so much more.  We've got Doctors and lawyers, businessmen and women, teachers, farmers, accountants and any other profession that graduated from OHS just like the bigger schools.  I still have my best friends from high school as my best friends.  No they don't live in Oakland BUT we are still best friends.

I wrote the Birkey Buzz this week.  The weekly article in our local paper.

It's not just a building made with bricks and mortar.

Memories were made there.

Whether you're an Oak or a Titan, whether the walls stand tall or the bricks line a walkway.

All that really matters is why she stood.

Who walked the halls, the friends we hold dear,

the teachers that made a difference,

the education we received,

the fun we had.

Driving by brings a tear, not from sadness as much as remembering -

teachers and friends.

So this week we say goodbye to the old and hello to the new, encouraging the next generation of

Oakland High School graduates to step out and make a difference.

Kathy Hawkins Pardi, Class of 1976

Our Family/OHS Graduates

Raymond Hawkins, Class of 1922

Bob Hawkins, Class of 1955

Joe Pardi, Class of 1975

Kathy Hawkins Pardi, Class of 1976

Patty Tibbs Hawkins, Class of 1977

Ronnie Hawkins, Class of 1978

Linda Hawkins, Class of 1980

Brad Pardi, Class of 1996

Jeri Pardi Biggs, Class of 1999

Clint Hawkins, Class of 2002

Chris Hawkins, Class of 2004

Cary Hawkins, Class of 2008

Future graduates of OHS:

Clayton Pardi, Class of 2021

Kristyn Biggs, Class of 2022

Braden Pardi, Clapp of 2024

(Hopefully I have all the years correct, if not I'll just say sorry)

Update on mom.

Well mom has been home from the hospital since last Wednesday.  She's doing well just weak.  Laying in a hospital bed for 10 days will do that to you.  She had a Dr appointment earlier in the week to check  her blood counts.  They are all good right now so that is a real blessing.
I'm so thankful that Linda has been able to come up to Oakland to help them daily since she's out of school and is not taking classes this year.

We're hopeful that dad will get released to drive on Friday.  Hopefully he'll lose the sling as well.  His therapy is going well, they seem pleased with his progress.

Thank you for all the prayers.  Thanks for the phone calls and visits as well.

Grandkids, the pond, and a few special hours.

 We sent to the pond a while back and the kids were in the pond bright and early.    Here's a couple pictures of that day.

Mom had her colonoscopy this morning at 7:30.  Got along great.  Diverticulosus.  Will have to watch her diet.  The blood thinner she is on made it worse than the normal person so will have to try really hard on watching what she eats. 

Probably going to get her up this evening.   Start back on med's in the morning.  Best guess is headed home by Wednesday.

She has told Ronnie, Patty and I to head on out to church camp.  It starts this morning.  Being held in Springfield Illinois.  I'm guessing we'll head out in the morning.

She looks really good.  Tired but good.

Well no procedure today.  Couldn't handle the anesthesia.  So on to options #2 (which right now we don't know what that is.)  Mom is in good spirits as are we.  God has the play book.

Mom

Well what a week.  On Sunday night we ended up in the emergency room.  Mom had been losing some blood since Thursday.  Was admitted to the hospital Sunday night.  Hasn't really gotten better yet so today they are doing a colonoscopy and also checking her stomach to see if they can find out where it's coming from.  We are praying they will.  Tests are scheduled for 1pm.  Other that the blood loss she feels good, not in pain.  Blood counts are good today.

 Last weekend Clint was home from Chicago.  Brought his friend Kait.  We introduced her to "pond water".  The water was warm and they all had a great time.

 Clint can still do his fancy backflip.

 My three grandkids mauling Cary. 

Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, swimming and family can't get much better than that.

Oakland Memorial Day service 2012

Matt Kreeb former guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier speaks at the Oakland Memorial Day service.

Matt demonstrates the gun inspection of the guard change for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

21 gun Salute at the Oakland Memorial day presentation.

Very touching and nice service honoring the men and women of our military.  God bless America.