URBANNA — It was the July 4 weekend in 1984. Ronald Reagan was in the White House, the world was at peace, immigration was regulated and the borders secure. The price of groceries, gas and utility bills did not cause instant shock and college students were not shouting “Death to Israel!” as today.
Compared to life now, things seemed peaceful enough. I was living in Newport News and working as assistant director of Kee Business School day program and director of the night college. Computers were relatively new at the time and our high tech trained graduates were entering area business offices able to convert primitive billing and accounting systems to new technology. It was a good time for business colleges before other institutions were teaching computer skills.
My daughter, Liz, was nearing graduation from the College of Charleston and my son, Wake, was headed for Virginia Tech. Along with work, parenting and housekeeping duties, I was working on a master’s degree at George Washington University (GWU). The program’s classes met one weekend every month in Hampton. I was busy and had no trouble sleeping at night when I finally was able to crash into bed.
