Dear Editor:
I am sorry that I haven’t written for a while, but I have been very busy growing old.
Mission Accomplished!
I have checked that box.
I would like to apologize to all of my Marlinton High School 1963 classmates for missing our 55th class reunion on July 14.
I was really looking forward to attending the reunion, but an old body, like an old car, occasionally needs new parts. My old body has a lot of miles on it.
The surgeon told me in the middle of May that the earliest that he could replace my right knee was on the 16th of July, so I agreed to it.
I was still thinking of going to the reunion, but then I remembered that at our 50th reunion, several classmates had to help me on to the float before the parade, and off of the float after the parade. Now, five years later, I was concerned that my classmates might not be able to lift me on to the float or get me off of the float, because they are older and I am fatter. I was afraid that they may get me up, but then not be able to get me down, and I would be stranded!
Since I had to miss our 55th reunion, I am going to try really hard to live until 2023 so I can attend our 60th class reunion. I will bring some spare parts with me.
I also would like to thank all of my classmates, the rescue squad, the fire department and the sheriff’s department for getting Kermit Friel back on his feet after he graciously kneeled in the front so that the rest of the class could be seen in the picture.
Were it not for their heroic efforts, Grandpappy Kermit might still be down.
I can’t wait to see the Old Copperheads and the Young Warriors at the 2023 reunion.
Some of my old classmates may remember me as a little bit obnoxious when I was younger, but I got a lot worse when I got older.
Best wishes to all,
The King
Fred Holland
Woodstock, VA
