Kevin Wade:  

Life Thomas Wolfe wrote, "you can't go home again." While his intent of this statement is quite apparent, I think truly understanding what he is saying becomes clearer as the years pass. We would all like to think that home would always be home; regardless of what paths we may take between visits and how much time elapses between them. Even someone who never leaves can relate to this often-repeated quote as the years go by. For those who do leave, returning can bring about a gamut of feelings, depending on what it was they had and what it was they left behind. I can't count the times someone would comment about "leaving this place and never coming back". Quite a few followed through with this, but a larger number have found themselves winding down that hilly two lane road on their way back to their old stomping grounds...memories of old speeding through their minds, occasionally coasting on one certain person or one certain event that found itself forever etched in their being. Without coming across as cynical, I have to wonder if most in this category have come away somewhat disappointed when their perception doesn't coincide with reality. The early visits aren't so different than what is remembered. Friends are still around...generally businesses are the same...things are quite recognizable. As the years go by, the past and present start to become drastically separated. You recognize fewer people ..storefronts change...roads are added...some buildings subtracted. One may start to wonder why they would even come back in the first place. On the occasions when I do return, I visit my family off to the east of town and head back the way I came...never even making my way to where I had spent most of my time and developed the beliefs and habits that make me who I am today. As a few more years pass, one is likely to realize that a few cosmetic changes aren't the cause of the differing perception of memories. People change...we change. The picture we see may have become a bit altered, but the spirit of the people, places, and things is usually pretty close to what it was. The way we see them isn't. It is human nature for us to set ourselves up for disappointment. Having a glass half-full attitude - we've been told - is always the best bet. That may be so, but the level is always likely to go down. If the new reality doesn’t match up with what we remember, it is easy to lament what was and that is usually connected with a feeling of sadness or remorse. I can't help but wonder if the others who left there with the mindset of never returning, suddenly find the glass a little fuller upon their return as opposed to those who thought their cup would always runneth over. School The instructions here ask who was my biggest crush..what teacher inspired me most..and if I could do it all again, would I. It also mentions the funniest happiest, and craziest school memories I have. While those aren't the particular adjectives I would use, I will try to fulfill their request in my own way. Biggest crush? I will instead touch upon a few who may not have been crushes, but were girls who I liked but was at a loss when it came to approaching them. I do regret that I went through high school without taking part in the traditional dating ritual. While I did have my flings here...Expand for more