The Value of Small Town

I would have never even thought about it, but in retrospect, it was
really great living in a small town. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't
want it now, however, the very reason that I disliked school so much
because everyone knew everyone is the very same reason that I enjoyed
being at the reunion so much.

Yes, we had our cliques. The Band geeks, athletes, shop boys, drama
fags, etc etc. But the simple fact that we shared a commonality of
going to a small school really puts a different value on things.
My wife went to larger school and she barely knew anyone in her class.

We ALL KNEW each other for better or for worse. I feel that when we were
in school if a major crisis would have happened, all those barriers
would have completely vanished. Maybe it is naive of me to say so.
I was sitting out in my yard the other night and there was no traffic,
the wind whistling through my huge maple trees and sounds of crickets
and cicadas buzzing and chirping around and it reminded me so much of
being out on my family's farm. I said something to my wife and she
just rolled her eyes. She is suburb girl. It was pretty special to
grow up in that area. I wouldn't go back because I'm dazzling
urbanite now, but by God, it was great to have those memories sweep
over me.
Also, think about when we went to school. Our area was still so
mellow. I have always had the firm belief that growing up in the 70's
and 80's was probably the best time ever in our little community
because we were aware of things but they didn't really touch us that
much. Sure the times had some influence, but it didn't dictate ideas.
I may just be awash in nostalgia.... but after forty that is sometimes all we have.