-----Original Message-----
From: Jennifer Hoyt
Sent: Friday, September 20, 2002 10:44 AM
Subject: RE: Parkdale School

<< I would be happy to send you a Parkdale school picture of me in the 2nd grade >>
[Apologies Jen, due to tech probs, the image you provided when you visited Oct 26, is not yet digitally available, but here's the one we took, with you in your old 2nd grade classroom!].

I have such fond memories of Parkdale; I had a Ms. Bogart in 2nd grade (1979-1980) but had to drop out late February when doctors diagnosed me with acute lymphocytic leukemia in March. I passed the 2nd grade and returned 1980-81; in 3rd grade year with Ms. McGuirt.

Summer of '79 was so much fun. Our class was a mix of girls aged 7 - 12. We went on bowling trips, swimming, but my favorite was the roller skating trips behind what use to be the Giant Open Air Market.

I lived a few blocks away from Gisela. She was too far away to play with, but I remember her at school. She was always happy, pleasant and surrounded by friends. I was at home going through chemotherapy when I was told of her death. My mother let me read the newspaper article. I still remember the vivid details-- haunting to say the least.

I hope other kids enjoy Parkdale as much as I did. It was only three years, but I love to think back on the mornings I'd come in at 6:30 am and sit in front of the television located in the main playroom, to watch silly cartoons with about five others. More would pile in, and then it was cereal time. Being seven and able to pick out any cereal you wanted was a dream come true!

When classmates would finally arrive, we'd pick a game to play with until class began. I have to say I was a class clown (not a class pet) but I was smart and funny. At Christmas, Santa visited-- handing out puzzles. I always thought that was great. At the end of day, we were able to buy snacks from the office! I thought I was really big then. Gloriously, after class, we went to another classroom, to play Sorry®, Connect Four®, and Checkers. I considered myself the Checkers Queen!

In such a difficult time in my life-- Parkdale School made having childhood cancer much easier. Having to return after being popular (with thick hair and energy) --then, to having to wear a scarf, no hair, no energy, and to gain acceptance again.

I thank the staff and school mates for being so kind. I remember a Mark Wood; and think I had a crush on him? There was also a Meagan or Reagan. I hope to be in the area in October.. and I will definitely give you a call to set up a time to visit-- I can't wait!

Sincerely, Jennifer Hoyt, News Director, WVVA