50-Year-Reunion

Anita Shrader Blaydes 736 Three Springs Drive, Bluefield, West Virginia 24701 (304) 327 - 6126 aeblaydes@gmail.com April 8

Yes, it ’ s hard to believe it ’ s been 50 years since we graduated from Bluefield High School. Time sure flies by! I am grateful for BHS and the dedicated teachers who worked hard to prepare me for the future. After graduation, I started working and began building a life here in the place I ’ ve always called home. I married Elliott Blaydes in 1976, and we were blessed with a wonderful daughter, Jaime, who brought so much joy to our lives. Jaime graduated from BHS Class of 1998. After 39 years of marriage, my husband passed away in May, 2015. Throughout the years, I stayed busy with work and a wonderful family, and later found time to enjoy a few hobbies — tennis and golf used to be favorite pastimes of mine. These days, I ’ ve traded in my racquet and clubs for long walks with my dog, and catching up with neighbors on the porch. Flower gardening has become one of my biggest joys — there ’ s always something new to learn, and the peace it brings is hard to beat. I love painting watercolors of my flowers from my back porch facing East River Mountain. Hoping to do more of that this summer. Currently I stay active in church, Bible study, prayer ,and food ministry which gives me a sense of purpose and connection. The Lord has truly seen me through many seasons of life, and I ’ m grateful for each one. Although I ’ ve had the opportunity to travel and see some beautiful places, there ’ s nowhere quite like Bluefield, West Virginia. The stunning scenery, yes — but more than that, it ’ s the people. Kind, familiar, and grounded.

There ’ s something special about staying rooted in the place that raised you.

Friendships may come and go, but Bluefield always stays with you.

Looking forward to seeing familiar faces and sharing stories at the reunion — it ’ s sure to be a special time.

140