Hello classmates!
I can’t believe how quickly the years went by. Since I can’t be with you at our 50th reunion, I thought I’d fill you in on my life since graduation.
I spent the first 7 years working in Public Relations in NYC, then worked for two airlines traveling throughout the USA and Europe. After leaving New York, I lived in Alaska as well as nine other states, including Hawaii.
I married my college sweetheart, Tom, in 1990 and we began what can only be described as an extraordinary journey on 5 continents. Tom’s career as the Defense Attaché and Military Attaché at 5 American Embassies introduced us to a world of adventure, travel, diplomacy and foreign friendships spanning the globe. We were privileged to entertain Ambassadors, dignitaries, statesmen and foreign Military Attachés. It was an honor to meet 3 American Presidents, many Prime Ministers, foreign Presidents, a host of world leaders, two Queens and even a Prince.
This small town girl from Tappan has been to the Himalayas, the Great Barrier Reef, the Taj Mahal and I lived on the equator. I’ve enjoyed 7 safaris across Africa and witnessed the Serengeti migration. I’ve been to Mount McKinley (Denali), K-2, the Hindu Kush and Mount Kilimanjaro. I’ve witnessed the overthrow of a government and a military coup on separate continents. They happened in real time as world events unfolded all around us. I was even evacuated twice from Embassies due to terrorism. It has been nothing short of a whirlwind and it has afforded me a very unique perspective on the world.
Most rewarding were the charities I helped sponsor and provide funding- building wells in remote parts of Africa, a Kenyan women’s collective, fundraising for refugees in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and dearest to my heart, being part of a women’s underground network that helped support survivors of attempted honor killings. At multiple Embassies I was elected President of the Attaché Wives’ Association which had representatives from 65 countries. We raised millions of dollars for charitable causes, and I was privileged to represent America in those endeavors.
However, the greatest joy of my life, by far, has been our 2, beautiful and loving daughters, Celine and Genevieve. They are truly global citizens having spent their childhoods living in foreign lands. In February we are moving to Australia to enjoy retirement with our amazing daughters and our wonderful, Aussie son-in-law, Charlie. The Sunshine Coast will host the 2032 Olympics and we will have a front row seat! I am ready for this next phase of life reunited with my family after many years of living in four separate time zones. One of these days, I hope to write about my experiences and the memories that are imprinted on my heart. After 32 moves, 19 homes and 5 continents, I have much to share. I think I will call the memoir, “The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Woman.”
My classmates and friends, and the keepers of my childhood memories, no matter how far I’ve traveled, you have never left me. You will remain with me always. Always in my heart…
Forever Dutchmen!!!
Happy 50th Reunion Class of 76’
Come visit me down under!
Love, Celine