Yesterday there was a gathering.....

of childhood friends, some of whom I had not seen in 30+ years.

Several months ago, Kay, Mary and I, all friends since grade school, met over dinner and started discussing the coordination of a neighborhood picnic.

We picked the date, the location and got the invite out via Facebook and word of mouth – show up with your families, or by yourself – bring what you want to eat, drink and a dish to pass and spend some time reminiscing about the “good ol’ days” and what we might each be up to now.

At 3 p.m. people started trickling into the Adler’s yard in the neighborhood we all grew up in, with coolers, chairs and families in tow...each with a big smile on their face.

I got to reconnect with the likes of Tommy, Julie, Cindy, Gary, Thomas, Emil, David, Lisa, Mrs. Adler....and the list goes on and on!

We talked about stupid things we did as kids; teachers we loved and teachers we hated; how life was much simpler and safer when we were growing up; our favorite hang out spots (i.e. - back by the tracks; and the “big ditch”); what happened to “so and so” and there were plenty of “Can you believe its?” – discussed with a ton of laughter and an occasional tear.

But all-in-all it was a smash hit!

I am already looking forward to the next picnic, where, hopefully, even more of the old crew will be able to attend.

I would like to give a special shout out to the Adler’s for allowing us access to their homes and providing the grills, paper goods, etc. – THANK YOU very much!

now everyone keep in touch