Photo descriptions: Lana & I a few years ago at her 25th wedding anniversary party; Mark, Lana, Macy & M'Call at a UT game, M'Call & Macy; Lana and Macy before she went off to school.
I mentioned my best friend Lana Toon on my birthday post. I want to follow that up with photos of her family who I love with all my heart. I have known Mark and Lana since high school in White House, Tennessee. She was my first friend at that "corny country school". You see, my parents moved us to the country when busing started in Nashville. I was a city girl transplanted to the country and thought I was going to die. Then I met Lana, the other country misfit. Even though she had been raised there, she had integrity and high ambitions, thus the other girls were jealous of her. The fact that she was beautiful didn't help her status any either, but she held her head high and always knew that she would rise above the "White House" stigma and make something wonderful of herself and she did. She got her beautician license and completed dance school, dancing with Fred Astaire in Chicago. She and Mark married, she opened her dance school "Dancers' Academy" and had two beautiful girls, Macy and M'Call who are both in college at UT Knoxville. I can honestly say that there were times in my life that I would have just died if I hadn't had Lana as my friend. And now 35 years later, she is still my very best friend and I love her as much as anyone could love a friend. Her family is my family and although we don't visit as often as we should since we live about 15 minutes apart, life brings us together at special times and we know that a warm heart is only a phone call away. I love you Lana and want to show my friends your beautiful family. I thank God for your love and friendship!!
1 comment:
Oh do I remember those days - being the outcast- moving from Millersville Elementary to WHHS and not knowing anyone; being placed in a classroom where I didn't know a person: I was in 7-A, I think Lana was in 7-B. Trying out for cheerleader and not making it and being laughed at; trying out for majorette the first time and not making it - being told I walked funny and would never be a majorette. I showed them. We all had the same kind of experiences and all have risen above those who would have kept us down. I solved the problem very creatively - graduated early and went off to college; the best thing I ever did. However, I was so sorry to hear that Lana's senior year was a nightmare. I can remember her stopping by the house so I could help her do so "do" for her beautician class - too much! I remember when you married, had the babies and was so shocked that someone we all thought was wonderful was so horrible. For that I am sadden. Again, we've all been made the strong women we are now from the trials of our high school years!!! I've been lucky to stay in touch with Lana and am looking forward to doing the same with you.
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