In reading the University of New Hampshire Magazine that is sent to all alumni, I am shocked to learn that someone who was my best friend in junior high school, is very ill. It is with great fondness that I remember David Hersey of Deerfield, New Hampshire. We had a lot in common, mainly horses and guitar-playing. We attended 4-H together, and even played music for a town supper to raise money for 4-H.
Today, David is a victim of ALS disease. Most people would recognize the problem as Lou Gehrig’s disease. You can read this story online, along with the current theory as to how the disease may be contracted, and a possible link to lake and river algae bloom. The article is reprinted from the UNH publication, and can be read at: http://ossipeelake.org/news/2009/07/20/dangerous-waters/
David and I, and three others, won a trip to Washington, D.C. to the 4-H Congress. From left to right: Lydia Perry, Gary Nelson, Patricia Grace (me), David Hersey, and Mary Weiss. Year of photo unknown, perhaps 1965?
The school we attended, George B. White School, housed eight grades of students. The seventh and eighth grades were taught in one room by Mr. Anderson, the principal. Deerfield was much more sparsely-populated then, and a tight knit community. I can still remember the names of the other classmates, and I often wonder what happened to many of them.
I chuckle now about how someone squealed on David and I for holding hands during recess (a major crime, you know). However, it was no laughing matter at the time, as parents were notified about this “bad” behavior. Ha, ha! There are some things in life that I would never change.
It is good to know that David is learning Italian and engaging his mind in other intellectual ways. At every stage of life, we can learn and find something to enjoy.
This news has brought good memories to my mind of growing up in a small town where the people were genuine, and everyone was always willing to share produce, or to help the “other guy.” Of course, although I have not seen David in years, I will now keep him in my prayers. I give him credit for facing this new challenge with courage.
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
Today, the former school is used to house the police station, a pizza place, and a few other businesses.
Tags: David Hersey, George B. White School, Lou Gehrig's Disease, memories of Deerfield, NH, University of New Hampshire Magazine
