REFLECTIONS OF A WEEKEND MINI

L-R: Robin Hollier, Hannah Baker, Judy Seals, and Sue  Johnson

Robin Hollier Smith, '78

We rendezvoused in Birmingham at the home of Judy Seals Baker. I flew in from Atlanta, Georgia, and Sue Johnson Rose drove from Columbus, Mississippi. 

Judy has a wonderful daughter (commonly referred to as the "Princess" Hannah B), a very funny and off-witted husband, Chris, and a step-son, Chris Jr., who was a shy and quiet teenager around us Wagner women, and who did not complain once about our reminiscing about high school or mine and Sue's guitar strumming and singing tunes from our past.

I was quite in awe that Judy, Sue and I did not skip a beat after 30 years.  It was like old times, yet better.  We laughed, sang, swam, and ate together as if old friends had found a burst of newness.  Judy was the most gracious hostess, a compassionate mother to her children, and loving friend to her husband on top of being a career woman and still the friend I always had in high school.  Sue was the Sue I always remembered.  She has grace and style, and her sense of life is infectious. Since I left Wagner, it was the first time to actually see and spend time with fellow Wagnerites other than Brenda Johnson.

If you have never met an angel, you must meet Hannah B!  That child made me feel like a queen and gave me all the attention in the world to be her buddy, if only for a day.  Sue was great with Hannah.  Of course, Sue has parenting skills considering all those "Rosebuds" at home, but she and Judy have such a tender way of dealing with children.  I see now why Judy says that Hannah is her mentor or life teacher.  It is never ending with "Princess" Hannah B.  I promise that she will not let you lose sight of her (smile...Judy).

I sat, watched, and listened as Sue played and sang with such great ease and emotion.  For all the things she has accomplished in her life, she swears that music is it for her.  I believe her!  I so enjoyed the harmony she produced when we sang together.  I don't recall us singing in harmony in high school, and I wondered why.  Perhaps this was because we were so wrapped up in athletics -- always trying to catch a volleyball, basketball or softball.  Yet.....the blessing was welcomed and I truly loved the musical companionship.  Thanks, old friend.

We had a great time together, the three of us.  I cannot wait to meet again.  I believe things happen in a specific time and for a specific reason.  This was one of those times for me.  I have been through a lot in the past year, and I think this mini-reunion gave me something tangible, something authentic.  I'm sure what you all felt at the reunion was ten times magnified.  But, then again, for me, I doubt it.  I can't wait to meet up with more Waggies. 

Love to you both, dear Judy and dear Sue.

Sue Johnson Rose, '78

What a blast!  I had an awesome time visiting with Judy and Robin during Labor Day weekend.  We met at Judy's home in Birmingham and spent the day visiting, swimming, and singing.  I renewed a 30-year friendship with Robin, while Judy and I are just building a new friendship.  Though I'm pretty certain I never spoke to Judy during our overlapping time at Clark, the commonality of friendships and experiences seemed to jumpstart our relationship.  I felt as though I was visiting with a long absent best friend instead of just getting to know her for the first time.  Thanks, Wagner, and thank you to the San Diego reunion committee for the "After" stories, which gave us small glimpses of what others had been doing so we didn't have to start from scratch in our conversations. 

If you can imagine such, Robin is an even better guitarist and vocalist than she was at Clark (and she was fabulous then)!  We sang and played for several hours.  "Mostly, Robin played and we all sang, along with Hannah, while I added occasional harmony."  Other than group sing-a-longs during bus trips to different athletic contests, I didn't sing with Robin at Clark; I definitely didn't want to pass up this opportunity for a little jam session.  It just didn't seem possible we hadn't seen each other for 30 years!  There were no long, awkward silences--just great fun and sharing.  Many thanks to Judy for her generous hospitality and for making this mini-reunion a truly memorable event.

Judy Seals Baker, '76

We had a rare treat over Labor Day weekend.  Robin, an old Wagner friend, and Sue, a new Wagner friend, each made their way to Birmingham for a brief visit at the Baker home, and what a welcomed visit!  Hannah immediately latched on to Robin and was her shadow for the entire weekend.  When Sue entered the picture, there was more attention to be had!  Robin was Hannah's jamming buddy, and Sue was her swimming buddy.  Mom didn't rate with our weekend guests.  I sat back, enjoyed the interaction between the three of them, and occasionally was able to join in on the action.  A nice bonus resulting from Robin and Sue visiting was that Chris gave me some relief from the kitchen as he took over the chore of grilling and preparing our pre-Labor Day ribs on the grill.  Thank you Mr. Baker -- you were a good sport all weekend, and I could not have done it without you (or Robin, whom I pulled out back at the beginning of the day to help me tidy up for our day of fun).

I thoroughly enjoyed renewing a 30-year old friendship with Robin; she is a super lady with a huge heart!  I equally enjoyed forging a new friendship with Sue!  WOW!  I wish I had known Sue 30 years ago.  What an inspiration.  Both Robin and Sue brought live music into our home, a talent I know exists somewhere within my husband but has yet to surface.  I still hope!  Thank you both for a memorable weekend.  I envy your musical talents!  Maybe I can slow down one day to learn how to play a guitar.  Wouldn't Hannah love that!  I look forward to future visits, where ever they may be in our little corner of the U.S.  Cheers, ladies!  I'll work on that heater for a late season (or early spring) dip.

Click on thumbnails to enlarge images. Photo 1: Robin and Hannah making music. Photo 2: Sue and Robin. Photo 3: Sue and Hannah.

Comments

[Yolanda Fisherman]

Judy,
Thanks to you and your husband for hosting a nice gathering for great friends so that Robin can share a piece of San Diego.
Sue and Robin,
Looking at you both brought tears to me. I was imagining volley ball days and now 30 years later. I can imagine the joy you both felt after 30 years. Sue I didn't know you could sing. I bet it was fun to sing a long with Robin. Robin I can imagine you even better as a guitarist and vocalist. You already sounded good in high school.

What's nice at these small gatherings or mini reunions, you have a quiet moment to focus on each other. It sounds like you all did.

[Lisa Ramos Wilcox]

Wow! What a great picture & what fun to read your stories about that time!! So happy for you all to have been able to do that. Thanks for letting the rest of us live it vicariously. Sort of! =)