Lori (Hecker) Kosty

Hi to Everyone! For me, 20 years has just passed me by. It has been fascinating to read all the bios and see what people have been doing, where they have traveled and how some of us have spawned. We are from the age of mullets, leg warmers, (they are coming back), and Magnum P.I. shorts-what's not to love? I loved high school. I still have great memories and made many life-long friendships that I will always cherish. After graduation I went to Ft. Lewis College in Durango , CO . I just needed to get out of New Mexico and was lucky enough to follow Leah DiMarco and Mike Brazfield up there. It is a beautiful place to go to school but they did not offer my major, which was nursing. So, a transfer was in order, and my choices, according to my Dad and my academic record, were UNM or NMSU. My Dad was a regent at UNM and I went on a tour (red carpet) and, needless to say, decided to go to NMSU. I graduated in the winter of 1991 with nursing degree. Over those few years in Las Cruces there were many changes in my life and a lot of decisions to be made. I made the best decision of my life, his name: Tom Kosty (LAHS class of '87). We were married in 1992, with over 400 of our closest friends and family as witness. What a party (one we hope to repeat for our 20 year anniversary-everyone's invited)! We made the big move to Denver in the winter of 1991(before the wedding), where Tom had a job making skis for Volant in Boulder at $6.25 an hour. I did not have a job yet (pending the "nursing bar exam"), but we had LOVE. I can say that almost 16 years later, it has paid off. I never really thought I wanted to be a Mom--or at least never thought I would be good at it--but then the best surprise happened: Noah Presley Kosty, was born on Oct. 22, 1996. What a kid. He describes himself as "goofy, fun loving, strict and nervous." I describe him as smart, loving, funny, caring, and a bit self conscious. He is the serious one of the family (and clearly doesn't take after either of his parents in that regard) .In school he is gifted in leadership, math, and creativity. He is a great 11-year old and teaches me so much. My other pride and joy came 2 ½ years later with the birth of our daughter, Ava Isabel Kosty, who was born May 19, 1999. Wow-she was a pistol from the start. She describes herself as " weird, a tomboy, not a girly-girl and very adventurous." I describe her has a very girly-girl who you don't want to meet up with in an alley. She is so funny and loves to sing and dance, but also loves the mud and can do anything a boy can do. Tom says that she's a "Hecker Girl." Whatever that means??? Tom, the kids and I live just outside Denver , in Arvada , CO. Tom is now a commercial banker; yes, I said "banker," meaning suit and tie. I have put my nursing skills to good use by working for the same doctor for 13 years now. He is a cardiologist in Denver (for 35 years) who is trying to start a prevention program (insurance sucks). It is a great privilege to work for a doctor who wants to reverse a disease that kills so many. We do so many great tests that show early disease and I can say I learn something new every day at work. I need to say a very heartfelt thank you to all our classmates and their family who are in the armed services. Your work is very appreciated and your sacrifice does not go unnoticed. Another thank you to the reunion committee--great job! I think Mindy should get additional thanks. You are so right-- you are good at this! I am really looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion or just staying in touch with those who can't come. And if you ever come to the Denver area, our door is always open.