This is a time for remembering.

It does not seem so long ago

that a group of children began the adventure of life.

It was on a cool day in September of 1937 the journey began.

During a span of twelve years some faltered and some moved on.

Others came and took their place in the journey.

Our goal was to finish the journey and see what was in the future.

We did not realize how interesting a journey this would be.

We would experience losing friends, a World War,

schools burning and an era of progress in all aspects of life.

Go back in time to the early days

to view the "good old days" remembering as we go,

the things we did not have and yet made do.

I remember walking 6 blocks in the snow to school and

standing by the radiator the first hour drying out my clothes.

Going to assembly, singing, listening to Moody and company,

listening to Old Shep and being able to not only say the pledge of

allegiance, but being able to pray in school.  I remember as

we quoted bible verses in class, I hoped no one said "Jesus Wept"

before it got to me.  I was not long on verses.

I even remember the paddling in the first grade.  It was

a group paddling.  10 of us were put in the corner,

and we were a little rowdy, so the paddle was swung among us.

This was not abuse to me, but let it happen today.

And we wonder where our values are today.

Enough of me, what about you, can you remember when?

This was the time in life when we were young and care free.

These we now call the good old days for lack of better name.

The grammar school years flew by quickly.

Growing up began in junior high, things were changing.

Boys voices got lower, and girls , well they sure did look different.

I began to notice there was more things in life than playing ball.

If you ever experience the look in the eyes of one of the opposite sex,

that could melt ice cream, you know what I mean.

Things would never be the same again.

High school days gave responsibility to growing up.

One was not far from making a place in the world.

If you were lucky, you were out in 4 years.

Then college for some, jobs for others or military service,

We had another war.  Korea.  A police action I believe they said.

The year was 1949, the month was May, we came together

for the last time as a group at journeys end.

The journey ended, we began our separate ways, pledging to keep

in touch.  We tried.  Things just never are the same

after journeys end.  The play is over, the cast has all gone home,

we only can remember those happenings along the way.

The feelings, the emotions, the loves, the excitement of the journey

will be with all forever, some more than others.

This I know, at journeys end, we are all still friends.