Going home

This is one of my columns, with some modifications, that appeared July 27, 2010, in The Brunswick News. It's one of my favorites.

Many of us on the coast are transplants and have created great lives filled with wonderful friends, great jobs and fulfilling recreational pursuits.

Occasionally, "home" calls - whether it's for a wedding, funeral, or the dreaded high school reunion, which some of us fear, but others look upon as a time to reconnect and reminisce.

In the interest of full disclosure, I will admit that I am a full-on reunion addict. I haven't missed a single one since my class began having them.

Right after the turn of the century, my alma mater adopted a new tradition of "all-class" reunions held every three years. This year, alumni in attendance included representatives of every decade from the 1930s on.

This concept works well in my small town of South Charleston, W.Va., where everyone knew everybody and their business.

I knew a packed weekend was before me, but I had no idea of the emotional high the whole experience would turn out to be.

Gleeful squeals, big hugs and a few tears were in order.

Of course, faux pas were also committed - and I had a classic.

I asked an old friend to introduce me to his daughter. Turns out, she was his fiance. Oops.

Amazingly, we all looked "exactly the same." Rose-colored glasses and fuzzy memories equal grace.

Throughout the weekend, organized activities kept us busy, but there was plenty of time for people to spend time getting reacquainted.

I began wondering if one really can go home again.

Bittersweet memories created a longing for something that maybe once was, but probably wasn't exactly as remembered.

People's circumstances change, and reunions give one a false sense of sameness that no longer exists.

My life in Georgia is full, but in addition to some dear friends, lots of family, including a grandchild, still live "up North."

That may partially explain the tug on my heartstrings.

My conclusion is this. You can go home again. You just can't go home forever.