Classmate connections create a magical bond

A former classmate, Doug Crotty, treated me and several other classmates to drinks and dinner at “The Prime Rib” in Spencer, after safely navigating through the flooded back roads of Iowa to get there.  (As he kept saying, “Doug has it covered.”  And yes, he referred to himself in the 3rd person. lol)   We all had a great time!

Although we were in the same class, I didn’t really know Doug that well.  We didn’t share the same interests or outside activities.  So I was a little bit surprised, in a good way, when he contacted me last week, after seeing one of the flyers around town about my presentation at the local library.

I am finding out that in small towns, people can find you all kinds of different ways!  Doug talked to a librarian, who sent me a message via Facebook to let me know he was trying to contact me, and they provided his mother’s phone number, from the local phone book.   We met for a chat at the local coffee shop last week, and he was just delightful! Funny, and a good listener. (He asked me to mention that. Told you he was funny.)

He even came to my presentation at the library this past Tuesday, where he sat next to another classmate, Joni Kampen Harig, and they planned our dinner gathering.  So far every classmate I have had the pleasure of spending time with during my visit, feels like an old friend.

I think there is something about growing up together, and having shared life and school experiences, that magically bonds you in way you don’t even realize.  And perhaps as we mature, we come to recognize and value that feeling of familiarity more and more.

Can You Go Home Again project