homecoming

Miriam and I went to high school together.

It was and is a rather quaint school in many ways. Owned and operated by a church that takes education quite seriously, it had less than a hundred students when we were there in the ’50’s. The school accommodated students who lived in or near the school, or those who lived away, with a dormitory. Miriam’s family lived 165 miles up the road, so she lived in the dorm, while I lived in what we called “the village.”

My family, and to a lesser degree Miriam’s, have been involved with the school for generations. My aunts and uncles all went to school here, as did most of Miriam’s siblings. Our daughters are graduates, but it looks like that is the end of our family’s involvement. Our grandkids go to other good schools (or home school).

This weekend is homecoming for the alumni, and the school is celebrating it’s 90th year. Graduates and former students come from a good ways to spend a weekend with friends remembering the old times. The Alumni group spend a lot of time finding and encouraging the classes who graduated 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 years ago to attend. For church tomorrow, we will have 600 people.

It is a minor big deal. Since the school is located in the town we live in, we attend every year. I have been secretary, vice president and for the last two years president of the association.

So it was particularly relaxing last night, to go and not be in charge, to not have the be concerned about much of anything, but enjoying the program and friends.

Miriam saw a few old friends, but they seemed to confuse her a bit. It was the first time I have seen her just plain mixed up on that level. Her friends know of her disease, and were wonderful to her. Lots of hugs and “how are you Miriam”.

When we left, it was way after dark, and as we walked along I noticed her having trouble judging cracks in the side walk, of not handling curbs as well, and of the usual questions about where the car was.

Times like that are hard on the old guy.

This evening, the program was mercifully short (some of mine were way too long), and very interesting.

Once again I was reminded of friends and of how important they are, and to you Miriam, thanks for being my friend for all of these years. I love you.