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Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. -William Ward (1921-1994), American author.
This week my reunion whirlwind continued with a trip back to my high school…a place I had not returned to in 25 years, for really no reason other than I’m just never in the area and have in the past had conflicts during prior reunions. However, a 25 year walk back in time was just too important to miss and am I ever glad I went!
I have already spoken about old friends and how important it is to reconnect and I will only say once again that taking a walk back in time completes you as you get back in touch with years that really form who you are. But at this event I was struck by a much stronger feeling of thankfulness!
To completely understand why the emotion was so strong I have to take you back in time with me. A time growing up in the city of Boston during the 1970s when racial segregation in the school system was a topic of tumultuous debate and fervor. Through the fateful decision of a Boston judge, the concept of forced busing become a reality.
In short, the concept of forced integration changed the city into a bastion of violence and protest. It was really no good for anybody. While everyone would have love to see the end of segregation, the last way to make it happen was to force it upon a bunch of kids already struggling with the challenges of growing up.
