Over the past several weeks, I have been working on reconnecting with classmates and friends from grade school. Our school is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year so a few of us have begun planning an in-person reunion to help celebrate this milestone.
In the process of searching for alumni and gathering contact information, I have noticed that long-forgotten memories have begun surfacing: favorite teachers and subjects; birthday parties and sleepovers; spelling bees and competitions.
Looking back, it seems like life was simpler, naive and more carefree.
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| Are you aware of what connects you? ~~ Click on image to enlarge ~~ (Photo credit: Bizarro, Wayno & Piraro, 04/26/23) |
But was it? For our parents and teachers, they were in roles of providing for our well-being, education, and safety. Our role was to learn and follow the structures and discipline that was provided. The complexity and simplicity probably depended on the role and responsibility of each person.
I am finding that these earlier connections are still present -- even though dormant these many decades as I moved on with my life. Memories of graduating from elementary and high schools, then on to college... first jobs... graduate school... and a career. At each stage, it felt like jumping off a cliff -- freedom and fewer safety nets; unknowns but a tangle of old and new connections; adventures but a similarity when I landed. Connections -- both complex and simple.
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| When do you feel the most unconnected? (Photo: Mazatlan cliff diver - Larry Gardepie) |
The Structures Learned and Connections Remembered provide solace in moments of uncertainty. Paying attention and making decisions rooted in previous experiences allowed us to swing like Tarzan and Jane through our childhood -- moving from our childhood Family Tree to a broader Tree of Life.
The importance, I believe, is noticing what has illuminated the paths we have chosen -- what we have held onto or let go... connections.
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| What helps to illuminate your path? (Photo: Nighttime departure, Hilo, Hawaii - Larry Gardepie) |
Understanding the connections between Self and Others allows us to discover what is good and desirable. Strengthening the connections that support and challenge allows us to learn and grow. Seeing and listening allows us to connect information and test its validity.
I wonder... why are so many people these days trying to break the connections of structure, discipline, lessons learned and remembrance?
What are your thoughts? Let's reconnect!
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| Larry Gardepie (click on link for website) |
Generally Catholic schools were to educate. As a Christian Faith Community did we EVANGELIZE. Did we bring our students and their families closer to Christ Jesus and His Gospel t? Wondering
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