My Suspicions were Correct

Back when I was 15/16, I had a big crush on a classmate.  I carefully timed a trip to my locker every day so I would "just happen" to meet up with my crush in the hallway of Center Grove.  Then I would non-chalantly be going in the same direction at the same time.  I think we were "an item" a year or so until I got sick of his boyish ways and told him where to go.

I can remember admiring his older brother Charlie.  He was a ton more outgoing than his younger brother, and seemed to "own the hallways" of Center Grove.  Charlie was popular, and I thought he must be a really nice guy.  Two days ago, and 41 years later, I confirmed my suspicions that Charlie really is a nice guy.

Before we left on vacation to Ft. Myers, I asked Charlie if we might meet up while we're down here.  Luckily, we were able to do that.  He and his wife drove two hours to see us.  We sat around my sister's condo and talked about Center Grove and our high school days.  Three short hours later, we went out to eat at a restaurant owned by a fellow Hoosier.  We enjoyed good food and good company.  The evening was "done too soon", but I've got more good memories to stow away for a rainy day.

Once again, my Vandy's Kids friends got me started on this path to reaching out.  I am not only finding new friends, but old friends that I've missed for decades.  I told Charlie that when we do our "valley walk", I'll send him photos of his old place.  I think he'll like that.

Love to all,
"Cissy"

Old Friend...New Friends

The drive was longer than it should've been, but Spring got a little farther along with each mile south.  We rarely see wysteria in Indiana, but here it grew wild and abundantly, often reaching the top of the tallest trees.  And it was in full bloom.  Taking the "scenic route" to avoid the stopped traffic on the 65S entrances in Nashville, we passed through a couple of beautiful towns we never would've seen otherwise.  It was worth the extra hour or so on the road.

When we reached our destination, a guy was in the front yard.  I asked him if he was with the Center Grove group, and he verified that he was.  After he introduced himself, I asked if he had any brothers.  Sure enough...I had graduated with his brother Terry.  Although Terry and I never ran in the same circles, I knew he was a nice guy.  His brother was bound to be the same.

We met everyone else there, and they were in the final stages of supper preparation.  We gladly accepted the invitation to share in the meal.  It had been a 12-hour trip and we were hungry.  The ham, green beans, and taters tasted great--so did dessert.  After the cleanup, we waited for the last couple to arrive.  GB and his wife were the only ones we'd met before.  We were strangers to the rest of the group, but I had a common thread with them--we were graduates of Center Grove High School.

Over the next few days, fish were caught, fish tales were told, and the fish was cleaned and fried.  We played "Hand and Foot" and I loved the card game so much that I've already ordered all the stuff I need from Amazon.  (I can't wait to teach my family.)  We toured southern mansions, gardens, and a plantation.  We enjoyed a few bottles of wine, and gave away a few bottles.  And although my husband and I planned on fishing, we enjoyed just sitting and visiting so much that we just stayed on land.  Besides, the real fishermen of the group were doing a great job, as you can see by the photo above.

I've met a lot of nice people in my life, but these old classmates were among the nicest I've ever met.  Not once did I feel out of place.  I think my husband and I have another set of friends, and we're looking forward to seeing everyone again and again.  Before the trip was over, I was thinking about the next trip.  Wherever it is, it's bound to be a fun time.

Thanks to all of you for extending your hands in friendship to us.  It's a blessing to get to know all of you.  And I've got a feeling that Mr. V. had a hand in orchestrating this whole thing.

Love to our new friends,

~Cissy (AKA: Helen)