I’ve been “off the grid” for a couple of days, which basically translates to limited access to internet services. I’m back now with an update on a topic I mentioned in a recent post – my “ultimate high school reunion.”

Overall, the event appeared to be a success. Lots of folks from early graduating classes gathered to recollect memories from years gone by. I can’t be certain how far the classes went back, but I heard there was a graduate from the class of 1930. We had a good time with the small group of our friends who came back for the event.

Although I’ve returned to the south often to visit family – having lived in Chicago for many years –Mark and I noticed that, in general, things have not changed much in the 31 years since we graduated high school. By that, I mean the attitudes, the political climate, the easy-going lifestyle of the south. Most of the families of the people we knew as we were growing up still live in the same houses that they lived in 40 and 50 years ago. Even Mark’s mom has lived in the same house since 1970.

All over town, we drove past the houses of people we knew. We could walk up the driveway, knock on the front (or back) door, and feel sure that we would know someone who would answer the door. There is some comfort in the “familiar.”

Perhaps, the greatest changes have taken place within us. People say, “You haven’t changed a bit,” but we all know that’s not true of anyone. It was good to “go home,” but for us, over the course of our lives, we have more than one “home.” Mark and I divide our time between Chicago and Boise (and Shreveport occasionally), and we consider each of these places “going home” whenever we are away.

Home can take on different meanings for each of us. It is true that you learn something from everyone and every situation. Last weekend, we learned that Shreveport will always be one of the places we will always call “home.”