NINETEEN SIXTY-SIX

Nineteen sixty-six is a year I think back to often. That was the year that I graduated from Pocono Mountain High School in Swiftwater, Pennsylvania. I was a shy kid, didn't apply myself in school as much as I should have. However, I made many good friends there. I think about them so often and wonder if any of them think of me.

A few days ago my granddaughter showed me her yearbook. She just finished sixth grade and her yearbook was in full color. It was beautiful and will give her many memories. She has joined the band and wants to play soccer next year. She also joined the animal science club this past year. She has a goal in her life already and wants to work with animals.

I took my yearbook out of my bookcase this morning and glanced through it. It gave me a little chill as I looked at the photos of the faculty members. Many of them were fairly old in 1966 and are probably deceased now. As with everyone I had teachers that inspired me and other teachers that just didn't give me that inspiration. Teaching is a great profession and I often wonder how many of them realize just how much of an influence they have on a young person.

I looked through that yearbook page by page. My class members brought a smile to my face. Each and every one of them made me wonder where they are today. Many, including myself, have moved away from the Pocono Mountains. Flipping through those pages I came to a friend that died way to young in his life. He was one of those that always had a kind word. Then I wondered how many others have passed away. We aren't old by any means, but many people die young.

A couple of those classmates I am still in touch with today on facebook. I wish I could get in contact with many others. I am going to try. It is easier with the men, but when the women marry their last name changes and it is difficult to locate them. I am sure most of them are now retired like myself. I wonder what their lives have been like and what they are doing in retirement. Personally, I worked 30 years in manufacturing and then 10 years in building maintenance. I have had a good life, a wife of 43 years, two wonderful children that I love so much, and 5 grand kids that make me proud. Now that I am retired I write. I have been published in Our USA Magazine and am now working on my third novel.

In 2016, it will be fifty years since we graduated. I wonder if we will have a class reunion? I would love to see some of the old gang again.


Copyright   Larry W. Fish   2014