Yearbook
By Amber
@AmbiePam (120907)
United States
June 25, 2023 10:27am CST
My dad's wife texted me this picture of my dad in his yearbook from his freshman year of college, which was 1973. He was awarded best personality, which is a big thing for a freshman to receive. The girl pictured who won best personality was a junior. My dad got his associates degree, but then got married, and started a family. He went back for his Bachelor's degree in his late twenties, then eventually went on to get his Masters degree. He didn't have the money for a yearbook when he was younger, but wouldn't have bought one anyway.
Do you have your yearbooks still? I'm sure my yearbooks are somewhere, but I don't know where. I never bought them, but of course, my parents wanted one for my sister and me.
My dad (Dennis), is 68 today, and I am so proud of him. He came from absolute poverty, and has gone on to make a true difference in people's lives. Seeing him care for my mother when she was diagnosed with dementia at 46 was inspiring, and I am so glad I had an example of what a man should be. Pardon me if I talk too much about my parents, but when you know such special people, you just want to tell others about them.
OK, yearbooks? Does anyone feel brave enough to share a picture?
OK, yearbooks? Does anyone feel brave enough to share a picture?30 people like this
30 responses
@LindaOHio (222527)
• United States
25 Jun 23
That's a terrific picture. Your parents sound like really special people. Here's a picture from my yearbook. I wore glasses but didn't for the pic.
4 people like this
@AmbiePam (120907)
• United States
25 Jun 23
@LindaOHio I bet you’re still pretty, and only plump. If you’re pretty young, you’ll be pretty when you’re older (I think). Ellen Burstyn is so pretty to me, and her age is up there. Even my Aunt Joy, who had gained weight, is absolutely lovely to me, at 78 years old.
I shouldn’t be telling people they’re wrong, I just think we don’t see our own physical positives as we age.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (222527)
• United States
25 Jun 23
@AmbiePam Thanks. Now I"m an old, fat lady.
2 people like this
@allknowing (153529)
• India
25 Jun 23
Happy birthday to your Dad whom you so admire.
We never had year books. They did take a photo of our last year in school I am third from left sitting
2 people like this
@Juliaacv (56322)
• Canada
25 Jun 23
Happy Birthday to your best personality and sweet Dad. 
I am not surprised that a parent of yours won this award.
I do not remember if they had yearbooks when I was in college.
I would not have gotten one as I paid for my own education and I did not have alot to spend on extras.
I am not surprised that a parent of yours won this award.
I do not remember if they had yearbooks when I was in college.
I would not have gotten one as I paid for my own education and I did not have alot to spend on extras.2 people like this
@AmbiePam (120907)
• United States
25 Jun 23
@Juliaacv A Pell grant is when your family makes so little money the government gives you a little to go towards your education.
But that’s so admirable, Julia. Your dad could have paid, but you chose to work. He instilled quite a work ethic in you.
2 people like this
@Juliaacv (56322)
• Canada
25 Jun 23
@AmbiePam I am not familiar with a Pell grant, but then this was years ago that I went to school, in the early 80's, long before the internet. In those days, if you applied for a grant or a loan you had to include your family's income if you lived at home, and I never would have been qualified as my Dad was a farmer and owned too much property. Paying for it myself did not hurt me any, and I value that education.
And you are welcome. 
2 people like this
@BabeSays (8795)
• Mauritius
25 Jun 23
Your dad looks amazing dear. Your father is such a gentleman and is a great example to many men. I'm glad you shared how he took care of your mom in her difficult time.
In Mauritius the school and college I went to didn't have a yearbook. I don't think they do it in Mauritius except for one school and one college which are very expensive. Only high-class people's kids can afford it.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (209009)
• United States
26 Jun 23
I do have at least one of mine here. It is full of writings and signatures from my classmates. Sadly, my favorite friend from school has past away. I did not get a college yearbook. Your dad looks like a strong man.
1 person likes this
@Jenaisle (16568)
• Philippines
26 Jun 23
Yes, you should share stories about your dad because he is a wonderful person. May your mother rest in peace and more happiness to your dad.
I bought a yearbook but I don't know where it is now. I should have kept it safe. But with our constant transfer of residence, it got lost along the way.
1 person likes this
@vandana7 (102698)
• India
26 Jun 23
My Dad is 89 going to be 90. So you are much much much younger than I. :)
I think I know too much about my father to have that illusion of him being an example. There should always be that barrier to maintain healthy respect. It has taken me a while to accept him with all his flaws. More than that, I have to acknowledge I owe him. And the fact that I need to repay now. So I don't know if it is love or respect or whatever. I only admit it to be debt repayment. Yeah...I am the caregiver. :)
No yearbook out here...:) Your Dad is handsome..:) I am sorry your mom had dementia at such young age. It must have been tough. You are a brave person.
1 person likes this
@vandana7 (102698)
• India
26 Jun 23
@AmbiePam No...I am bad too. Maturity told me to accept that my father is as much of a human being as I. While what I did may not have caused any major harm to anyone, other than I, still, it is not my place to judge him for what he did to somebody else. I cannot use that as an excuse to escape my duty. That would not fetch me any brownie points with god. So I do my duty and clear my indebtedness. Others will pursue their rights. That is how I see it. I only hope I do not have to take a stand against him during this indebtedness.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (84823)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
25 Jun 23
I don't have a yearbook, per se. I do have a through the years book celebrating 100 years my school had been around at the time.I was never able to get my senior yearbook even if I wanted to.
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (91297)
• United States
27 Jun 23
What a handsome fella he was your Dad..RIP your dear Mother
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (120907)
• United States
27 Jun 23
@RebeccasFarm 
My sister and I thought so too.
My sister and I thought so too.1 person likes this
@TheHorse (238326)
• Walnut Creek, California
26 Jun 23
I am not sure if I have any old yearbooks around here. I know had two at one time, from my Sophomore and Senior years of high school. I may still have my first grade class photo. I had not lost any teeth yet. Nope. Can't find it right now.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (130150)
• Israel
26 Jun 23
@AmbiePam
Hi, thank you for sharing that picture of your Dad. He looks so young. I graduated college around then too. What is his masters in? Good for him. I can see why you are so proud of him. He is very young at 68. Is he the first one in his family while growing up to go to college? She was diagnosed very early in life. You have every right to share with us about your parents or whoever you want to share about because you are a proud daughter.
I was in a flood when I styill lived in the States and my yearbook floated away. I can't share my picture with you because it is gone. I will never see it again.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (120907)
• United States
26 Jun 23
I am so sorry to hear a flood took all that away from you. I can’t imagine losing everything. Where did you go to college?
My dad was the 15th of 16 kids, so actually his 3rd oldest sibling, a brother, was the first one in his family to go to college. My dad’s Masters is in Human Relations (his Bachelors is in Theology), and thank you so much for being so willing to read about my family.
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (59828)
• Philippines
26 Jun 23
Your dad looked great in that pic. Not surprised he got that award.
I know I have my yearbook but unsure where I kept it.
1 person likes this
@xstitcher (39044)
• Petaluma, California
26 Jun 23
I wish that I knew where my yearbooks were. Granted, if I did they'd just add to the clutter, but I would like to read some of the things friends wrote in them.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
25 Jun 23
I don't have my senior yearbook. What a handsome photo of your dad. How is he doing now? I know you're very proud of him.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (120907)
• United States
25 Jun 23
He is doing well. His voice is almost completely normal unless he really talks a lot, and he only has tingling in his arm when he drives. For having six vertebrae in his neck replaced, his recovery is astonishing. We thank the Lord each day.
1 person likes this
@misunderstood_zombie (8765)
• United States
26 Jun 23
He must have an amazing sense of humor. I wish all men were like him, work hard, stay with his wife and kids, and continually better themselves. I don't blame you for bragging about him.
1 person likes this
