September 1981: First Grade

My first grade teacher was Mrs. George.      She was a good teacher.  Back in the day, your parents could request a specific teacher, which my mom did for me each year.   My neighbors, Eric Anderson and Bill Daugherty are in this picture.   

July 29, 1981: Princess Diana and Prince Charle's Wedding

I was almost 7 years old when Princess Diana wed Prince Charles. I remember sitting in my living room on Lawnel Avenue in such amazement at the gown that Princess Diana wore for her wedding. I had never seen anything as magnificent as that in my whole life. I told my mom that when I got married that I wanted to have a dress just like that.  The wedding took place at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.    After the ceremony, she and Charles took a carriage ride around London.    It truly was a fairy tale wedding.

Summer 1981: Plastic Surgery on Ears

I had two plastic surgeries done on my ears when I was around 7 and 8 years old.   My first surgery pinned my ears back.  The second surgery, the doctor made the top of my ears smaller.   The doctor my mom chose was Dr. Kislov, who was the best plastic surgeon in town at the time.  He also carved a Jesus statue that was on top of the Episcopal church in downtown Muskegon.  I had to wear the bandages until I got the stitches out. Then, for two weeks, I had to wear nylons over my head and ears when I slept.    I am so thankful that my mother did this for me, as I might have been named 'Dumbo' later on in life.        

Spring 1981: First Plane Ride to Florida

Mom and my dad took me on my first airplane trip down to Florida. This is where I got my wings for being a first time flyer. It was so exciting going fast down the runway. To this day, that is still my favorite part of the whole airplane ride.


We flew down to Tampa, FL, where we stayed with Grandpa and Grandma Gonyo. They had bought a small camper and stayed at Palm View Gardens in Zephyrhills, which was about 45 minutes northeast of Tampa.


We went to Disney World, Cypress Gardens, and Busch Gardens. Of course, I did get my Mickey Mouse ears and wore them proudly.


Cypress Gardens was so beautiful back then. They were known for their women dressing in the full southern belle dresses, carrying an umbrella, walking around the beautifully, manicured gardens.


Busch Gardens had a bunch of different animals, much like a safari. It didn’t have the rides, which it now has today.


It was a great trip for someone almost 7 yrs old. I think all children should have the experience of going to Disney World when they are young.