Late last night, I noticed a response to my blog from yesterday that tugged at my heart strings. It made me smile and filled me with a sense of gratitude. As a reminder, yesterday I shared a picture of a painting done by Wayne Terry, an accomplished western artist whose talent and skill set is on display in homes and venues across the country.
Wayne is one of the kindest people I've ever known. He is also one of the most talented. Our friendship has withstood the test of time. In response to yesterday's blog, Lynn Mc Grath wrote: "A great share for us today, thank you. And, I see so much love for details and perfection in Wayne's art. I say great for two kids from Rusk Elementary."
Those kind words were a trigger that took me back to 1953. Lynn McGrath (previously known to me as Melba Phillips) is also a friend from the first grade.
Of course, life was different in 1953. Maybe it is always true of first graders, but there was a cloak of innocence and excitement associated with learning. Achieving the ability to read, write, work math problems, and explore new and different things made school something for which I looked forward.
Our school days started with a broadcast from the principal's office, and we stood with hands over our hearts and said the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States. As I recall, there was also a prayer.
Even though we were young, one of the things we knew with certainty is that we could become anything we wanted to be. America was the land of opportunity. We grew up in an environment that promoted a love for God and Country.
A sense of patriotism was ingrained in our way of life. Of course, when I was in the first grade, WWII was still fresh in the minds of our parents. The war wasn't over until 1945, and I was a first grader eight years later.
Ronnie and I walked on unpaved streets three blocks to school. We were also in the same classroom. During elementary school years, we dressed alike, so we were a matched pair. Life was simple back then. For that matter, it was still simple the year we graduated from high school.
While in school, I didn't realize at the time that I was investing in the future. In some instances, many of the friendships formed in school withstood a 50-year gap between graduation from high school and my 50th high school reunion. Yet, I can truthfully say that the privilege of reconnecting with many former school friends has added much to the things I hold most dear.
A person can't have too many friends and I count myself blessed to be surrounded by many with whom I shared my earliest beginnings.
All My Best!
Don
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