Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Thanks to Stan, Facebook, and a few dedicated people, this past weekend event of having a Wood Jr. Class get together actually happened. Somewhere along the way, most of us lost contact. Some us were good friends and some of us were just there getting thru school. Now thanks to the modern technology, we all were able to make some contacts and walla, it happened. Anyone that has ever been "in-charge" of planning something like this, even casual and informal, knows it requires a lot of planning and making arrangements. Stan was so gracious to take on the task. He spent hours debating with everyone on the perfect time, place and details. He picked the perfect place, Veteran's Park, in Tupelo. Many home folks didn't even know that park existed. It was a perfect weather date. Many of us were not so excited about the sun and heat of a picnic, but the weather cooperated and made it so pleasant. It was overcast and the temp. was tolerable. Several people in the class still remained friends and dedicated to the Memory of our past.

When I first heard about the gathering, I must say I was a bit skeptical. Like another friend said, "I can't believe we're doing this, as hard as we tried to get out of that place." It was actually a little comical when we arrived. I quickly scanned the crowd, and sure enough, there were only a couple of familiar faces. But everyone was, pleasant and started trying to remember who we all were, and what part we played in the Class of 75-76. Stan of course, was the great host, and made sure everyone was introduced. We all had aged, some more gracefully than others. Several had maintained their friendships. Someone brought old yearbooks. A couple of people still looked the same. But, all in all, we still had the same hearts, memories and spins on the Ole Alma Moter. Many had individual stories about the many pranks and happenings at Wood. All had stories to share about classmates, confessions about pranks, that at some point in our lives, had been sworn to secrecy. All had family pictures and stories to share about what everyone was doing. All had favorite teachers and staff that remained dedicated to Wood. But most of all, we all shared a common bond for a place, where we started our adult lives, established our new roles of becoming independent, and started on this journey called "LIFE." We were not out of the norm of any other group that bonds. We all had a place, time and memories to share. Now what better way, than to meet, sit around, share a hot dog and coke, and just visit and reminisce. We all were the same. We all left Saturday, just like we did when we left Wood. Some quickly, some meandering, some off to another happening, some back home to their families, and some just blowing in the wind waiting for the next bend in the river. Thanks Stan for continuing to be the leader, a guiding light and tie that binds us. You did Good!!!!