We Were Wildcats
Friendship
Editors Note: High School can be a very difficult time for many teenagers. Peer pressure, dating, grades, dances, and so much more. It can be a defining moment in our lives. For me, it was a blessing. A blessing because I went to Sonora High. The same school that my parents, cousins, aunts, uncles and siblings went too. A blessing, because I met lifelong friends and had my life changed on the athletic field. But not the way that many would believe.
Tonight, I write with my life long friend Steve Southard. Mr Southard, as I still respectfully and loving call him, was the Student Activities Director and a good one. So good he was just placed into the Hall of Fame. Really, look it up. They did not have to put his name on a wall for us in the Class of 1984 to know that he was a special friend. Tonight, we share our journey through life. From 9th grade to Parkinson's and beyond.
When I walked into my freshman PE class that hot day I was a tall skinny kid not and real excited about what was to come. I was warned about sweat days and at that point had already been tied to a flag pole by one of my brothers upper class friends. All in fun of course.
When I saw my PE teacher I was amused. There he stood short and muscular. He had a smile like David Letterman and he looked a bit like Papa Smurf. He made me laugh. Not by the way he looked but by what he said. He had a sarcastic wonderful sense of humor and I knew I could dig this guy.
Steve Southard
It all started when a skinny kid walked into my classroom. He was just 14 or 15 years old, but such a cutie. I knew he was the little brother of a student I thought a lot of, but, since I always judged kids based on who they were and not their siblings, I didn’t know what to expect. I also learned that his name was Ronnie, Ronnie Hamilton. It didn’t take long to realize that he was different from most. He seemed polite. Courteous. Funny. Sincere. Reliable. Other kids didn’t seem to know what to think, but, he was likeable. I had already come to the conclusion that Sonora High was a place where kids accepted others. I remember seeing him in all white with a green scarf; unusual for me, coming from my first teaching experience in the Bay Area. I found out that he was in 4H. I then realized why he seemed so reliable and nice. It’s a head and heart thing. Anyway, as time went on, I came to rely on him. He was solid. I always appreciated kids who were solid.
During his time at Sonora High, Ronnie and I seemed to move from teacher/student, to friends. When he became a cheerleader, it was even more evident that we had even more in common, because I was a yell leader in high school, also. I will never forget when Ronnie and his brother, George, asked me to speak at a 4-H function. From that, another invitation came from 4-H to speak in Exeter, CA. That began a whole different chapter in my life, and I will be forever grateful to the two of them.
I was indeed different in high school. I was in the 4-H organization and yes had to wear a green tie. That made me different in a good way and Steve saw that in me. He encouraged it. When I was not at work he encouraged me to stay after school and be involved. We learned about leadership, commitment, team work, life and death.
Through my early years Mr. Southard always supported my outside activities just as much as my school activities and he always seemed to know what was going on in my life. As I journeyed through school we became closer but it was my senior year that I really noticed that our lives were going to be forever as friends.
It was on one Friday night when I first started as a cheerleader. As I mentioned in a previous Blog I could not do sports due my head injuries so I became a cheerleader. We were at a game and Erik and I were of course getting some really rude insults thrown our way. Suddenly, it stopped and we noticed that without any words there was Southard. He was standing there with this glare on his face that said "I dare you to say one more thing. If you do you will deal with me." Between his support and members of the football team it stopped right then and there. No more insults. After all we were all playing on the same team,. We were Wildcats!
We were 17 and 18 year olds ready to attack the world when tragedy struck that cold fall morning. None of us will soon forget where we were when we learned that Susan had been killed. While we wondered in shock and staff members were in grief Southard was their to guide us through our emotions. He was a true champion for us.
When we went to the Giant/Dodger game, Southard was there. When we went to Grad Nite, Southard was there. When I got a black eye at ditch day, Southard was there. When I walked across that stage and was handed my diploma, well Southard was there. Then suddenly we were 17 and 18 year old kids leaving to attack the world and we were confident because our leader had showed us that we could be pianists, lawyers, teachers, moms and dads. All we needed was courage and encouragement and we learned that from you, Steve.
Steve
Friendship
Editors Note: High School can be a very difficult time for many teenagers. Peer pressure, dating, grades, dances, and so much more. It can be a defining moment in our lives. For me, it was a blessing. A blessing because I went to Sonora High. The same school that my parents, cousins, aunts, uncles and siblings went too. A blessing, because I met lifelong friends and had my life changed on the athletic field. But not the way that many would believe.
Tonight, I write with my life long friend Steve Southard. Mr Southard, as I still respectfully and loving call him, was the Student Activities Director and a good one. So good he was just placed into the Hall of Fame. Really, look it up. They did not have to put his name on a wall for us in the Class of 1984 to know that he was a special friend. Tonight, we share our journey through life. From 9th grade to Parkinson's and beyond.
When I walked into my freshman PE class that hot day I was a tall skinny kid not and real excited about what was to come. I was warned about sweat days and at that point had already been tied to a flag pole by one of my brothers upper class friends. All in fun of course.
When I saw my PE teacher I was amused. There he stood short and muscular. He had a smile like David Letterman and he looked a bit like Papa Smurf. He made me laugh. Not by the way he looked but by what he said. He had a sarcastic wonderful sense of humor and I knew I could dig this guy.
Steve Southard
It all started when a skinny kid walked into my classroom. He was just 14 or 15 years old, but such a cutie. I knew he was the little brother of a student I thought a lot of, but, since I always judged kids based on who they were and not their siblings, I didn’t know what to expect. I also learned that his name was Ronnie, Ronnie Hamilton. It didn’t take long to realize that he was different from most. He seemed polite. Courteous. Funny. Sincere. Reliable. Other kids didn’t seem to know what to think, but, he was likeable. I had already come to the conclusion that Sonora High was a place where kids accepted others. I remember seeing him in all white with a green scarf; unusual for me, coming from my first teaching experience in the Bay Area. I found out that he was in 4H. I then realized why he seemed so reliable and nice. It’s a head and heart thing. Anyway, as time went on, I came to rely on him. He was solid. I always appreciated kids who were solid.
During his time at Sonora High, Ronnie and I seemed to move from teacher/student, to friends. When he became a cheerleader, it was even more evident that we had even more in common, because I was a yell leader in high school, also. I will never forget when Ronnie and his brother, George, asked me to speak at a 4-H function. From that, another invitation came from 4-H to speak in Exeter, CA. That began a whole different chapter in my life, and I will be forever grateful to the two of them.
I was indeed different in high school. I was in the 4-H organization and yes had to wear a green tie. That made me different in a good way and Steve saw that in me. He encouraged it. When I was not at work he encouraged me to stay after school and be involved. We learned about leadership, commitment, team work, life and death.
Through my early years Mr. Southard always supported my outside activities just as much as my school activities and he always seemed to know what was going on in my life. As I journeyed through school we became closer but it was my senior year that I really noticed that our lives were going to be forever as friends.
It was on one Friday night when I first started as a cheerleader. As I mentioned in a previous Blog I could not do sports due my head injuries so I became a cheerleader. We were at a game and Erik and I were of course getting some really rude insults thrown our way. Suddenly, it stopped and we noticed that without any words there was Southard. He was standing there with this glare on his face that said "I dare you to say one more thing. If you do you will deal with me." Between his support and members of the football team it stopped right then and there. No more insults. After all we were all playing on the same team,. We were Wildcats!
We were 17 and 18 year olds ready to attack the world when tragedy struck that cold fall morning. None of us will soon forget where we were when we learned that Susan had been killed. While we wondered in shock and staff members were in grief Southard was their to guide us through our emotions. He was a true champion for us.
When we went to the Giant/Dodger game, Southard was there. When we went to Grad Nite, Southard was there. When I got a black eye at ditch day, Southard was there. When I walked across that stage and was handed my diploma, well Southard was there. Then suddenly we were 17 and 18 year old kids leaving to attack the world and we were confident because our leader had showed us that we could be pianists, lawyers, teachers, moms and dads. All we needed was courage and encouragement and we learned that from you, Steve.
Steve
But, what about the friendship that began so long ago, and
why it is still alive? Why is it that
when we haven’t seen each other for many months, and sometimes years, that the
friendship is there and the time apart just melts away? I think it is because over time, we begin to
see how comfortable someone makes us when we are in their presence. We see how they handle the easy times, as
well as the difficult times. We see how
they love others. We know what motivates
them. We know their struggles. We know their accomplishments. We know them.
In my heart, I know Ronnie.
Ronnie is my friend. When he was
diagnosed with a brain issue, I got to see the stuff of which he was made. He was strong. He continued on with a strength that was
impressive. It was a lemons/lemonade
attitude. I admired that. When he got married to Krishna, I got to
witness him becoming a loving and devoted husband. And, when the kids were born, he became a
never-miss-anything dad!
And now, with Parkinson’s entering his life, I am witnessing
the same type of attitude. The only
difference is that there is a bit of gray and even more wisdom. The love is still there. The compassion hasn’t gone away. His sense of humor has yet to fade.
When challenges come into my life I always call out to God. The bible says:
Matthew 28:20
Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Often people say I don't see God when I call for him to be there.I say to you he may not be seen but he is there. For me the peace I get is knowing that God sends others to care for us in hard times and he always will. Steve is my friend that God sends in all times good and bad.Steve inspires me in all I do. He never judges me. He only gives positive support.
When 4-H honored me with a State Award, Steve was there. When I married Krishna, Steve was there. When I had brain surgery he was one of the first to call me. When I Graduated with My Masters Steve was there. When I became a new school Administrator he was there to encourage and support. and when I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease he gave me a strong hug and whispered I will always love you. Being my teacher did not end for Steve when I was handed a diploma it continues everyday. Out of all of the thousands of students he impacted, he still keeps me in my life and makes me feel special. There are many that can say the same thing.
Steve
When challenges come into my life I always call out to God. The bible says:
Matthew 28:20
Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Often people say I don't see God when I call for him to be there.I say to you he may not be seen but he is there. For me the peace I get is knowing that God sends others to care for us in hard times and he always will. Steve is my friend that God sends in all times good and bad.Steve inspires me in all I do. He never judges me. He only gives positive support.
When 4-H honored me with a State Award, Steve was there. When I married Krishna, Steve was there. When I had brain surgery he was one of the first to call me. When I Graduated with My Masters Steve was there. When I became a new school Administrator he was there to encourage and support. and when I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease he gave me a strong hug and whispered I will always love you. Being my teacher did not end for Steve when I was handed a diploma it continues everyday. Out of all of the thousands of students he impacted, he still keeps me in my life and makes me feel special. There are many that can say the same thing.
Steve
How could I not want this man to continue being my
friend? He inspires me. He reminds me. He impresses me.
Friendships stand the test of time because of the similarity
of the friends. I know that every time
Ronnie and I see each other, he lets me know how important I am to him. I feel the same way about him. We share the same love of others. Many of our visions are the same. We approach life in the same manner. We both have wonderful wives. Awesome kids.
The same profession. Longtime
friends have a lot in common. That’s us.
Last week, I was riding the bus from Grad Nite and thinking of my long time friend and all that he has done for me. It was early in the morning and I was so tired I could not sleep. My legs hurt, my head hurt and I wondered about my future and what Parkinson's held in store for me. I was thinking of Steve and Grad Nite 1984 when all of a sudden I got a text. It was Steve checking on me. Of course. Suddenly, I felt as if it was freshman year and I was walking into gym class all over again. I see that smile and that papa smurf face. As I read his text I can hear his voice. It brings me peace and a smile.
Steve
Last week, I was riding the bus from Grad Nite and thinking of my long time friend and all that he has done for me. It was early in the morning and I was so tired I could not sleep. My legs hurt, my head hurt and I wondered about my future and what Parkinson's held in store for me. I was thinking of Steve and Grad Nite 1984 when all of a sudden I got a text. It was Steve checking on me. Of course. Suddenly, I felt as if it was freshman year and I was walking into gym class all over again. I see that smile and that papa smurf face. As I read his text I can hear his voice. It brings me peace and a smile.
Steve
It all started when a skinny kid entered my classroom.
And he will forever travel with me on "My Journey."
And he will forever travel with me on "My Journey."
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| Steve Southard 1984 |
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| Grad Nite Disneyland 1984 My buddy Chip or Dale. |
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| 37 years later he is still my mentor, my encourager and my friend. |
Thank you. Thank you Ron, thank you Mr. Southard.
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