South Salem High School Alumni
Salem, Oregon (OR)
Pat Long
South Salem High School
Class of 1964
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PAT'S PROFILE
| First Name | Pat |
| Last Name | Long |
| Graduation Year | Class of 1964 |
| Gender | Female |
| Current Location | Portland, Oregon |
| Hometown | Salem, Oregon |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| About Me | You asked me if I am disturbed about getting older. By Pat Long Old Age, I have decided, is a gift. I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometimes despair over my body; the wrinkles, the crow’s feet and the spreading butt. And often, I am taken aback by that older person that lives in my mirror (who, incidentally, looks like my mother!), but I don't agonize over those things for long. I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life and my family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement Pooh planter that I didn't need, but looks so darn cute in my yard. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50’s and 60's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I shall. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But, there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I do remember the most important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into lines on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. As I get older, it is easier to be positive. I truly care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore; I've even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being older. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And, if I feel like it, I will wear purple, I shall eat ch...(read more) |
Class of 1964 Alumni
→ Reunite with 65 class of 1964 alumni that have joined.
Crystal Chandelier
Class of 1989
John Smith
Class of 2008
Adam Holmquist
Class of 1998
Lisa Bloedel
Class of 1994
Tim Callahan
Class of 1979
Laurie Adsitt
Class of 1980
Eric Langager
Class of 1972
Jenny Atkinson
Class of 2000
Christie Hamilton
Class of 1966
Arlo Pade
Class of 1961
Rebecca Bernard
Class of 1985
Peter Peter Zhang
Class of 2002
Glenn Peterson
Class of 1964
Lori Fowler
Class of 1979
Charleen Kaaen
Class of 1965
Kimberly Cooper
Class of 1989
Jewell Sherbourne
Class of 2011
Kristy Arbuckle
Class of 1980
Upcoming Class of 1964 Reunions
Plan a Class of 1964 Reunion for Free
SSHS 1964 NEW ANNUAL RUNION
Invited Classes: 1964
Date: May 04, 2025
Description: This will be an annual no host event. We hope to see you there!
Recent Class of 1964 Reunions
SSHS 1964 60th Class Reunion
Invited Classes: 1964
Date: Sep 14, 2024
Description: Substantial appetizers, water & soda provided. BYOB if desired. No tickets for this event. Cost is $25 per person....(read more)
SSHS 1964 60th Class Reunion
Invited Classes: 1964
Date: Sep 14, 2024
Description: Cost of evening function to be determined. No dinner - substantial appetizers, water & soda will be provided. BYOB ...(read more)
West Salem Reunion
Invited Classes: All Classes
Date: Aug 05, 2011
Description: For the kids who attended West Salem Elementary, Brush College School and Walker Jr. High in the 60s and 70s. https://ww...(read more)