Subject: RE: Don Heytman
Date: Mon, 12 Aug 2002 17:37:25 -0500
From: Ron Sandy
To: Don Heytman; ALL

Thank you, Don for having the courage to be candid and sincere.

Ron Sandy, TSC

-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Dimler
Sent: Monday, August 12, 2002 2:09 PM
To: Donald Heytman; ALLn

Don - Sometimes its hard to believe how insensative people can be. Your note touched a guilty feeling in both Mary and me, but also a feeling of happiness for you and how great your life has worked out. We both hope to see you at the reunion.

Bruce and Mary Hobin Dimler

----- Original Message -----
From: Donald Heytman
To: ALL
Sent: Sunday, August 11, 2002 1:17 PM
Subject: Don Heytman

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 ( birthrate 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 am 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