What are the chances three lifetime friends when asked what is your
favorite "Jersey food" would select the same pork delicacy?!
We shift gears and profile not one of our alumni but three. Three
classmates that have found the secret of happiness found in friendships. The
trifecta friendship was formed in elementary school in Menlo Park Terrace.
Linda Kirchhoff Seguine, Joanne Caldwell Russell and Sue Hawley Petersen, have
done well in choosing their friends...very well.
We tracked them done recently and it was refreshing to realize the common
bond that is secured by their love, patience and unselfishness for each other.
In an era where it's easy to be self consumed with one's own life, these three
ladies make it a priority to look out for each other. When asked to describe
each other Sue was painted as generous with both her time and resources. Joanne
was noted for her sense of humor and willingness to always lend an caring ear to
Linda and Sue. Linda was described loyal, honest and unselfish with her time for
not only them but everyone she knows.
Today you will find the three getting together at least once a month for
dinner. In addition to conversations dealing with life today they will laugh
over their memories of hanging out "on the wall" at the Menlo Park Mall when it
was still open air, daily trips to the shore and cruising through the
neighborhood in the '66 white Cadillac convertible.
Linda calls Menlo Park Terrace home with husband Nick of forty two years.
Two children and one very precious granddaughter. Joanne is single and has
settled in Laurence Harbor, one daughter and two grandchildren. Sue has landed
in Hillsbourgh with husband Chuck of twenty years and two daughters. Sue and
Chuck have a second home in the Sunshine State of Florida. Sue is retired from
Johnson & Johnson where she met Chuck.
When it comes to music, Linda is all about Bruce, Joanne is loyal to Hall
& Oates and Sue likes her Rock n Roll and '60's country. All three attended
the last reunion and ironically each had their daughters drive them there with
orders to behave along with a curfew time when they would be picked up...aside
from the humor, right there is an example of family love passed down to another
generation. They plan on attending our next reunion saying "We look forward to
seeing old friends but more importantly, getting to know our fellow alumni
better with hopes of new friendships being established. One misconception of
high school reunions is a collection of clicks formed years ago.
We were
pleasantly surprised that was not the case but rather an evening of alumni that
left their egos at home and were there to see and make friends that once shared
a common school bond". Two years ago the ladies did a "girls vacation" at Sue's
winter home in Florida. No photos available...you know what that Vegas saying
is, right? :)
When speaking with them it was interesting to see how each of them
individually evolved over time, making life adjustments along the way but one
constant was their friendship. They handled life throughout the years but
through their love and appreciation for each other their bond is still in place
today...stronger than ever. A lasting friendship is truly an impressive
accomplishment, even more so when it is between three. All too often we misplace
priorities on career accomplishments over true happiness. When we speak of
Linda, Joanne and Sue they have taken on life and have succeeded with their gift
of their friendship to each other. In closing, they serve as a reminder for us
to make sure we reach out and remind our friends how much we appreciate them.
Menlo Park Terrace ladies...we thank you.
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