Sue Holsey Braker Vaughan
| YES it’s hard to believe 30 years have past. Even harder to believe we’ll be turning fifty years old within the next couple of years--YIKES!!!! After graduation I remained in Jackson County— that is until two years ago but more on that later. I have two great kids--Chad, 23 and Grant, 19. They both attended Altus Schools—so I got to do the whole APS thing AGAIN AND AGAIN! Chad is a horse trainer on the Pitchfork Ranch outside of Guthrie, TX. It’s well known in the ranching world. The pay’s not wonderful but he loves it—and there are some perks. He’s been in the Western Horseman as well as a coffee table type book on ranching. I think he enjoyed the Cruel Jean commercial filmed there most of all— something about the models??? The filming of the British reality was his least favorite. (He said the Pitchfork was NOT a dude ranch!) Overall, he’s happy and that’s what is important. Grant attends WOSC and is in the Oklahoma National Guard. He graduated from Air Assault School in April—needless to say we are very proud of him. I wouldn’t be surprised if Grant goes fulltime Army. Whatever he does, he’ll do it well. Grant is one of those kids who was born mature—sometimes there was a question of who was the parent and who was the child. Actually, I think he’s about got me raised…. My Mom and Dad still live in the house I grew up in. Dad will be 93 next month. He takes much pride in the fact he still active in farming. (The family feels it’s time for him to retire.) In 2001 I began dating Wendal Vaughan—a local guy that retired from farming. In April of 2003 Wendal took a job in SW Missouri. So all I once I was in a long distance relationship. In the spring of 2004 Wendal heard of a job opening that fit my qualifications. We were past the “if “ and well into the “when” we get married stage. So we decided that I would apply and let fate take its course. I got the job. My house sold within a week to the third couple that looked at it. (Actually Grant is the one that sold the house!) So I resigned from DHS (after 17 years) and moved to Missouri. We got married the Thursday before I started my new job on Monday. During that crazy life-changing month I never question what I was doing. And two years later I still think it’s the smartest thing I’ve ever done. Wendal’s a wonderful guy. He has three daughter and four grandchildren. Between work, family and just having fun we stay BUSY! We have a wonderful home nestled in the trees by Lake Stockton. We’ll probably come back to SW Oklahoma someday. Right now we’re happy in the Ozarks. Sadly I’ll miss the reunion—maybe I’ll catch you in five. It’s been a real joy to read the stories. Though we have travel different paths-- some have been rougher than others—it’s evident that we all have been blessed along the way. I hope the blessings continue for each and every one of you. Lots of Love, Sue Holsey Vaughan |
