It’s been two years since we’ve written a family update, and a lot has happened!
Our oldest daughter, Leah, married Walter Scott on May 27, 2006 at our local church. The reception was held in our backyard (we rented a tent) and a great time was had by all! People still talk about the keg of Smithwick’s Irish beer! The lovely couple is living in South Bend while Walter finishes up his master’s degree. Leah, meanwhile, works as an oncology nurse.
Speaking of oncology, we have some sad news to pass along for those who haven’t heard. Debbie’s sister, Jan Bossung, died Oct. 31, 2007 of pancreatic cancer. All the family and friends were exceptionally supportive during the eight-month ordeal, praying and lighting candles to give Jan and her family emotional and spiritual support. Six weeks prior to Jan’s death we were all shocked when our good friend and brother-in-law, Rich Adent, went to bed after a visit from all the grandkids and never woke up. Rich had been struggling with kidney problems but the ailment wasn’t supposed to be life threatening. So, this fall has been a sad time for all of us. On the positive side, though, the coming together of family and friends to celebrate the lives of Rich and Jan show how strong in faith the Holden clan can be. Our hearts and love continue for Chuck and Lee Holden, and Sue Adent, and Carl Bossung and their families. And our gratitude for the good wishes and support Debbie has received, as well.
As for our immediate family, the Holden-Corbett clan:
Steve graduated in June (with Honors) from DePaul University with a Bachelors in Music. He currently is working on a Master’s degree at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y.
Charlie finished up his second project at Disney (Tinker Bell Movie) and is searching for another job. If you happen to see Cinderella III DVD (Charlie’s first project at Disney) and patiently wait for the ending credits, you’ll see Charlie’s name.
Nora will actually turn twenty-one this year! (She’s been telling her dad that she’s been twenty-one for the last three years). This past fall she was a member of the University of Notre Dame marching band, and has been with the Symphony Band for the last three years. (First chair, French Horn). A junior at Saint Mary’s College, Nora is majoring in math. Last summer she procured a job with a local insurance company as an “actuarial” intern.
Bill turned sixty this year and was surprised by a terrific party at the Cathead Bay cottage. He also crossed the ten-year mark with his employer, and modified his position so he is now a “Private Investment Manager.” In other words, he manages client accounts on a fully discretionary basis for a fee, and is held to a fiduciary responsibility. All that is gobble-de-gook for he still has the same job but can be sued easier if he screws up.
One thing about turning sixty: we’ve finally begun to receive a return on all those health insurance premiums: Bill worked through a minor back ailment with physical therapy and now is careful about moving things like heavy televisions. Last year Debbie broke her little finger and it set crooked. So this fall she had surgery to straighten it out, followed by physical therapy to keep it straight. Meanwhile, still works as the “church lady,” helping educate kids in the faith.
Although we don’t update our website as often as we should, you can still visit us at: www.holden-corbett.com
Bill and Debbie recently returned from an excellent California adventure, where we spent time discussing the 401k of a long lost high school classmate whose passion for gourmet coffee followed us throughout San Francisco. The trip to Northern California was solely business and Bill had to be accompanied by his personal assistant, Debbie, as well as bag handlers Charlie and Steve.
Bill with his personal assistant, Debbie
Bill, Debbie, and the baggage handlers
Gourmet coffee magnet Gregg with the boys, waiting for transportation
We ate at Boudin's Bakery (breadbowl soup) and walked around Fisherman's Wharf gawking at the seals before buying tickets for a trip to Alcatraz!
We toured San Francisco via Cable Car and later met up with Belle (Gregg's wife) to attend the 30th anniversary performance of Beach Blanket Babylon.
The follwing day we visited the Island and found it full of intrigue. The weather was great (thanks, Gregg).
Steve, Charlie and Debbie are full after a terrific Mexican meal at Rudy's in Santa Barbara.
At Palm Springs were were able to soak up a little sunshine before having dinner with a friend and client.
At Joshua Tree, Debbie poses by a cactus.
We attempted to see the Redwoods at Big Sur. US1 was a real favorite of Bill, who often got dizzy while driving, looking down into the Ocean 500 feet straight down!
All in all, it was a great trip. We visited long-time friends and clients, including Edgar and Lauri Struble. Edgar is a Scottville boy who now lives in Newhall. Lauri graciously made us dinner after we unexpectedly barged in during a Girl Scout meeting. It's always great seeing the Struble family. Their girls are growing!!
Upon our arrival in Traverse City it promptly reminded us that winter is not yet over. Snow came a-falling. But on the bright side, spring is not far away.!
This past weekend was a mini reunion with family and friends as we gathered to see Steve onstage as the Count in The Marriage of Figaro.
Thankfully, it was in English and modernized to make it an enjoyable four act experience. As parents, needless to say we're pround of Steve and his accomplishments. And, as one somewhat uneducated in the Arts, I can say without equivocation that he sounded great.
We had good family representation in the audience. Nora was there with her friend Robyn; Leah and her fiance Walter; Debbie and I were there, along with Aunt Sue and Uncle Rich Adent; Jon and Charlotte Corbett attended three acts, in spite of Jon not feeling well. We very much appreciate his attendance and wish him a speedy recovery.
Stu Cozzens came in from Hope College to see the opera, having to jump on the train while running as it slowly left the station in Michigan City without him. Then he lost his cell phone, which was thankfully recovered by the train personnel; he picked it up at the Randolph Street station in Chicago.
Afterward, we had a toast at the bar of the Congress Hotel, then the kids went up to the room to order pizza, which was delivered after 2 a.m.
Earlier in the Day...
Saturday morning we walked to the River to see how green it really was on St. Patrick's Parade Day. Debbie and Walter and Leah continued north on Michigan Avenue shopping, while I returned to Columbus to view the parade. I have to say it's a bit longer than the annual event in Traverse City. I stayed for a half hour or so and was frustrated by the crowd. I couldn't get very close to the street to see the entries. Charlie called from California. After talking with him I went back to the hotel and watched the rest of the parade on t.v.
Meanwhile, Nora and Robyn finally got out of bed and linked up with Debbie, Leah and Walter.
I joined up with Jim and Kathy Scheer after the parade and heard their daughter, Kara, sing a great Irish song and Kevin play a mean fiddle at a gathering of the Sligo County contingent on the third floor of the Hilton.
The opera attendees all gathered for dinner at the Hilton prior to the performance. We arrived at Meryle Reskin Theater about 7:15 p.m. for the 7:30 performance. With intermissions, the opera lasted until nearly 11:00 p.m.
Sunday morning Debbie and I drove Nora and Robyn to the airport, where I received a ticket for standing at the Delta Airline drop off point waiting for Debbie to come out and tell me we had the right place.
We drove back to the city and had a great breakfast at Corner Bakery. T.C. should have one of those...better than even the Omlette Shoppe.
In the afternood we drove Stu back to his car at the Michigan City train station. Thankfully, it was still waiting for him on the grass adjacent to the tracks and hadn't been towed.
Then to South Bend to drop off Leah and Walter; then to Grandmother and Grandfather's place to pick up Mandy (our cat) and then back to Traverse City, arriving about 10:00 p.m.
A packed weekend with memories of Figaro, a Green River, and the great town of Chicago...
We had a great family get-together over Christmas, with all four kids home for at least part of the time. Last May we held the annual Corbett reunion, and over Thanksgiving the Holden clan all gathered in South Bend.
This past year Nora, the youngest, graduated from high school and is now a freshman at Saint Marys College in South Bend. She is thinking about majoring in biochemistry. Additionally, she plays French Horn in the University of Notre Dame symphony winds.
Leah visited France twice and accepted a proposal of marriage from Walter Scott! The wedding is scheduled for May 27, 2006. In August, she received a second undergraduate degree (BSN), passed her nursing boards, and now has an apartment in South Bend and a cat named Lucy for a roommate. She works as an oncology nurse at Saint Joseph Medical Center, and is eagerly awaiting Walters graduation from WMU.
Charlie is still at Disney in Burbank. His Cinderella job came to an end and he is now working on the Tinker Bell movie. He continues to be involved in the Confirmation and Youth programs at his local parish in Burbank. He sang Karaoke songs with Lex Luther from Smallville, and met Mr. Belding from Saved by the Bell.
Steve is in his third year at DePaul in Chicago, majoring in music. We look forward to his upcoming performance as the Count in the Marriage of Figaro, March 10-12th. He now has his own apartment in Lincoln Park, and is contemplating a minor in economics, as well. During the summer he served as a Congressional Intern in Washington, D.C. while living with our long-time friends Bill & Faye Pritchard.
Bill, Debbie and Nora traveled to D.C. in August and got a personal tour of the Capitol from Steve. While he finished up his daytime duties we toured several museums and saw many sites. (Particularly striking was the Mall at night). In addition to visiting with Bill & Faye, we were able to have dinner with Sam and Dolores Clement, who drove up from Richmond, VA. Debbie and Dolores served in the Peace Corps thirty-five years ago. Time flies….
This past year Bill joined a four-person “Novel-length” writing group which meets periodically to review manuscripts and make suggestions. He just finished his seventh year at Baird. Debbie continues in her job as Coordinator of Faith Formation at our parish.
The year 2005 was a year of transition for the Holden-Corbett family. In addition to the events noted above: we had to have Marmalade put to sleep. Her 17-year old feline body just wore out (we still have her sister, Mandy, who is doing fine); we tore out 22 year old carpeting in our master bedroom and put in prefinished wood floors; we added air conditioning for the comfort of the old folks (us); we repaired and re-upholstered our dining room chairs, which were inherited from Bills mom; and we painted the whole interior of our cottage. You can see the cottage updates at www.holden-corbett.com
Leah is back to work at St. Joesph's Hospital in South Bend. Charlie is flying back to Burbank. Steve is now back at his apartment in Chicago.
And, thankfully, Nora is home for a few more days.
I (Bill) just arrived back in Traverse City from taking Steve to Chicago. On arriving home I was able to view the last three and a half minutes of the Fiesta Bowl, Notre Dame vs Ohio State.
Earlier today, I dropped Steve off to his apt in Lincoln Park, then got lost for forty-five minutes trying to find Target and the Grocery Store to pick up supplies. Finally, we got his couch up the stairs (a bit like Laurel & Hardy with the piano) and his bed frame put up, and food stocked, etc.
I drove back to Michigan in a hurry, hoping to reach the Honda dealer in Benton Harbor before they closed to replace a burnt out right front headlight. I made it, hitting the road just in time to hear the Fiesta Bowl kickoff. It reminded me of the time I visited Tempe with Charlie (I think it was 2001) to see Notre Dame get beat by Oregon State.
Regardless, it was great to have all the kids home for a few days. But it is difficult saying goodbye, both for the parents, and for the kids saying goodbye to each other.
As I grow older I realize that our children are our greatest blessing in life. Each one is a unique person, talented in his or her own way. We have tried to encourage each of them to develop their gifts and talents and attempt to discern what mission in life the Creator might hold for them. Only time will tell if we have been successful as parents.
That being said, it is hard to have them out of the house. It becomes evident when they are together, here at home. The family dynamics reverts to the old days when they are here, with kidding and joking, and good-natured ribbing. But when it comes to say goodbye, you can feel the love between each one with the other, and with the old man and old lady.
I thank our Creator for the gift of our children and pray that each one finds happiness and fulfillment in life.
Last week part of our family took a combined funeral excursion and road trip for Noras Spring Break.
We left Traverse City on Tuesday afternoon, arriving about 8 p.m. at Chuck and Lee Holdens. Debbie and Bill and Nora and her friend, Rachel, were along.
Wednesday morning Debbie and I attended the funeral of Ruth Hanley, mother of Bills long-time friend Bill Hanley. The great part of funerals is seeing all the friends and family you haven’t seen in quite some time.
Thursday morning we attended the funeral of Everett Scheer, brother of Lee Holden and father of long-time friend Jim Scheer. Again, visits with their family.
Thursday afternoon we drove to Chicago, staying at the Congress Hotel, which was old but comfortable, despite the striking hotel workers parading in front of the main door and occasionally blowing an annoying whistle.
Visited the Hancock tower at night, with a terrific view of Chicago and its landmarks. Friday morning we visited the Shedds aquarium and stopped by the Adler Planetarium for lunch.
Friday afternoon Leah joined us, taking the train from South Bend. We drove to Lincoln Park to have dinner with Steve, then back to the hotel. Took a cab to see Les Miserables, which was playing at the Cadillac Palace, on Randolph Street.
The musical was enjoyable and the performers were technically very good. But only one or two brought to the musical the same passion we saw two years ago at Traverse City West Senior High School, when Steve played Javert.
The only down part of the trip is that Debbie caught a virus which reared itself halfway through the musical. She was feeling lousy even into the following morning. We asked for and received an extended checkout time (2 p.m.) before she braved the two-hour drive to South Bend, where she spend the night at Leahs apartment.
Bill drove the girls to Traverse City so they could get their homework done before school on Monday.
Sunday Debbie felt better, so Bill drove down to South Bend and back to bring her home. Unfortunately, now it appears that Nora has the insidious virus, and has missed school for two days. Such is life!
