Frank Swyden

Posted on: Sep 22, 2021 at 2:56 PM

Just read that you have lost your sister Judi. What a shock. You were both so endearing to the entire student body. Equal parts pretty, smart and charming. I will continue to hold those memories as among my most important and loving. Bless her and your entire family.

Thanks for the 5,800 words. Nice that a classmate would take the time and share their timeline – especially at this stage of a long life. And it’s much better when one is still upright and cognizant vis a vis an obit. Why don’t we see more of these? Only one can write their own story. I think many believe their lives are less interesting. Or maybe they are a bit shy. I’ve also noticed that we have naturally used the forum to honor those recently passed. As a result, it feels wrong to start talking about a fun trip or a new grandbaby in light of someone’s passing. Seems wrong.
But we should do as you have done, Darrell. Each of us has had experiences - both day-to-day and exceptional - that all of us can relate to and have a certain hunger for same. We are an interesting bunch. We have this special combination of our shared experiences AND we have a gained wisdom based on time on earth.
There is no other group on earth that has OUR gift [though our peers have their own variation of this same gift – if they are smart enough to appreciate it].
Kansas City is a nice place. But it’s slowly becoming someone else’s city. If a generation is roughly 20 years, then including our grandparents we have lived through 5.5 generations. Because of the march of time, I barely recognize the place. The same but different, I guess. So, like you I find myself missing the place. I am guessing missing our youth may be closer to the mark.
You’ve led an interesting life – intellectually challenged, to say the least. I read recently you neither have to be happy or successful to have a great life. I ‘m not saying that about you or me but it is food for thought.
So, take care Darrell. I know when folks in London ask you where you are from you answer Kansas City, Missouri. Right answer. The Senator would be proud of you.
Guessing 400 words.

Posted on: May 23, 2021 at 1:27 PM

Easter, 2021. With grandchild Lillian in Fairfield, Ct.

Posted on: May 23, 2021 at 1:16 PM

Posted on: Mar 24, 2021 at 2:11 PM

Posted on: Mar 24, 2021 at 3:33 AM

I will always have you in my memory banks. We will always be young. Always.

you are correct madam! i got Fritz ['66] mixed up with Keith Lipmann ['67]. way to go on that!

Posted on: Jun 10, 2020 at 11:19 AM

Hey George! sorry i just saw your response. didn't want to post on the overall out of respect for poor Jake Jacoby. but you did a nice job in your analysis. I got fritz zigler '66 mixed up with keith lipmann '67 so my memorys already shot. clearly yours is altogether intact! well done!

Posted on: Jun 10, 2020 at 11:16 AM

Hires! thanks for the nice words re my football playin' days. I remember that parkview game film and there's me 20 feet away from the camera and 21 guys way down the field. wayforth and robinson played that over and over and over again! and i told them that they told me to stay in place. the reality was the play went away from me and i thought - why bother? Hah! and you are also right that the 68 team had some rough guys - you named them perfectly. but those guys were also protective of the juniors. the SE game was a heart breaker of course walking down as a team. but we got revenge our senior year!
sorry, i m sending you this individually but what with everyone talking about Jake and didn't want to be disrespectful. My memorys shot and i confused keith lippman '67 with Fritz zigler '66. Val Howard shared this with me a few years ago and i recently found it. you guys came down to mizzou for a party. see ya.
frank

Valerie, you remain as beautiful as when you were a young girl. I hope to see you and Mark as soon as the cooties scare as lifted.

Posted on: Mar 24, 2020 at 3:35 AM