After Gary

had been teaching at Provo High for 7 years, he took a sabbatical leave and went back to school to get his Master's Degree.   He took classes full time the first year, and just part time for the next five years following that. He became part of a study group with other men who ended up being great friends with each other. 

Because Gary was at least 7 years older than them, he was the only one who was married, had children, and had a home.  So, they spent many hours late into the night discussing their projects.  They will readily agree, however, that what they spent most of their time doing was calculating what they would have to score on the final exam to still get an 'A' for the class.

After graduation, the others went straight to work at Word Perfect and were very successful climbing the corporate ladder.  Gary went back and taught school for 8 more years before he finally took the jump to work with them at Word Perfect and then Novell.    When lay-offs came at different times, those who had been there from the beginning ended up coming out pretty well financially.  Gary had only been there 10 years, so we felt blessed when a position in Education opened up at Timpview on the very day he was laid off.

They've gotten together through the years to play golf or go to lunch.  On Sunday they got together again, this time because one of them, Paul, has been called to be a mission president and it was his farewell.
Seeing them together again was fun and nostalgic.  They still have the same camaraderie and interests.  I remember Paul coming to the house to see Gary one day just shortly after we adopted Natalie.  I can still see his face when I went to the door holding her.    He looked somewhat confused, and I could tell he didn't know quite what to say because he hadn't thought I was expecting a baby.  It has been fun to see them get married and raise their children.

 After the farewell we stopped by to see Gary and Lynn.  

Gary is home and doing great, and the house is looking wonderful.  

Then we came home and let Gary ring the bell and order us around.  

He got nice notes written by the Bishops, an e-book from the Idiarts,

and a gift card (to take me out) from Natalie.

 Natalie made us a "mean" egg breakfast burrito,

with eggs, potatoes, cheese, and seasoning.

I gave Gary a disc (frisbee) golf set, that he is a little hesitant about.  He's not sure we'll really use them.   But, Jean said that Jared has become an addict to disc golf, and that she thinks we would enjoy it.    Maybe if he knew he could whip Jared at it, he will become more motivated.