Subject: Don Heytman
Date: Sun, 11 Aug 2002 13:17:14 -0500
From: "Donald Heytman"
To: ALL
The first thing that you will need to do is find your Crest and look me up as I
was not a mover and shaker or was I in the least popular. I was the skinny kid
(96lb at graduation) that lurked in the shadows and had few friends. Growing up
was tough for me and I do not look back at my High School years with any fond
memories. Not only was I a little kid but I was probably the poorest and the
youngest ( birthdate December 06, 1944). However, it is now to my advantage to
be the youngest.
Ok, now that you have read my preamble I must point out that I have no
resentment or ill feelings toward anyone. I was just the victim of the
situation into which God placed me. The story does have a happy ending! Please
continue.
After high school I worked in a number of meaningless jobs until I was drafted
into the army in 1965. There must have been an angel watching over me and
saving me for future endeavors as my 2 years of service consisted of working in
the American Conciliate in Berlin, Germany. As I recall there was a rather
nasty and unpopular war going on at the time.
One of the best things that happened to our community was the foundation and
continual growth of Illinois Central College (ICC). After the army I began
attending ICC at night and working full time at Illinois Bell Telephone
Company. I have been with the company for 33 years and currently hold the
position of Training and Development Manager in the Network Operations
Division. I train managers and technicians in both managerial and technical
skills. In short, I am a teacher - a calling that I never knew I had but a job
that I certainly enjoy.
I was a victim of my past, poverty, ignorance, indifference, and an abusive
father that made my life unbearable. I carried all of this ugly baggage with me
until the age of 32. At that time I became a born again Christian and my life
began to change. I can honestly attest to the fact that had it not been for
that commitment, I would not be writing this story. Some of us are products of
the pasture, others are the handiwork of the breed.
I have been happily married to Sue for 25 years. We have 2 sons, Paul aged 21
and soon to be a member of the U. S. Army, and Andy who is a senior at
Richwoods High School. Life is good. Finally!
Deep affection to all,
Don