It looks like I’ll be making another trip north in July. For those that don’t know, a long time ago I was an Iowan. To be more precise, I was an Iowan two times. I first left the state when I was eighteen years old. I joined the US Navy and was gone for twenty-four years. During that time, I visited home seven or eight times.
When I transferred to the Fleet Reserve, the Mrs. and I decided to locate in the state. This decision was mainly because there was an excellent high school for the daughter to attend. The plan at the time was to live there until graduation and then move to a warmer climate. We actually stayed for sixteen years. So much for the five year idea. It was almost effective as a government plan.
In 2005, we moved to Louisiana. It is a much warmer climate. Since then, I’ve visited Iowa one time. I went back for my fiftieth high school class reunion (yes, I’m that old). That was three years ago and I sure didn’t expect to be going back this year. Isn’t it funny how things can change?
Sanborn, Iowa, where I spent most of my formative years, has an annual celebration. “Railroad Days” is a typical small town celebration. There are games, golf and Frisbee tournaments, a parade, food booths, etc. This is also the weekend that class reunions are held. This means that there is a lot of visiting and gossiping. Many people return home every year. I am not one of them.
This year, my siblings have been urging me to attend. I decided that this might not be a bad idea as the six of us haven’t been in one place at the same time since my mother passed away. I’m the oldest and am beginning to realize I may not be around for another chance. I’ve been trying to remember the last time I saw the rest of the clan. To the best of my memory (in order of ages):
- sister – lives in Nebraska, about 12 years
- brother – recently moved from California to Nebraska, more than twenty years
- sister – lives in Iowa, two years
- sister – lives in Texas (closest to me), about eight years
- sister – lives in Iowa, two years
I guess I’ll be making the trip, just to let them all know that I’m still the oldest, wisest and best looking.