Monday, September 19, 2016

Bits of Tradition


Thank you Two Writing Teachers for creating this space for me to share my corner of the world.


It's that time of year.  Pumpkins on porches, falling leaves, sweater-weather days, and Friday night football games.

It is also a time for homecoming, and in my hometown, homecoming is huge.  It is so big, one year we had CNN arrive on our doorsteps to film a documentary.


Hundreds of people return to share laughs, stories and memories.  Students build floats, and classes from every five years come back to ride in the 
parade.  Alumni from 50-60 years back come home to rejoin and celebrate the traditions.  One year we had a gentleman representing 75 years. Now, THAT is tradition.

When my friends (the EJDs) and I turned 50, we had this picture taken in front of the building.

Later that year
, our old high school was tore down.  We learned we must embrace change and progress while holding tradition in our hearts. 
Bit by bit, 

brick by brick, 

the building came down.  

Photo courtesy of Travis Connor

Photo courtesy of Travis Connor

Even amidst the ruble, tradition lives on.

On my mantle sits a jar of bits.  Bits of laughter.  Bits of memories.  Bits of stories. Bits of tradition that I will always hold dear.


13 comments:

  1. Awwww....I love your jar and what those pieces of history mean for you. A great slice, Leigh Anne!

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  2. Cool! I can't believe you are still in touch with so many high school friends. I'm not that sentimental I guess. :)

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  3. With my mobile lifestyle these are the moments and memories I miss out on. Thanks for sharing this.

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  4. Great picture. Special memories. So sorry the high school was torn down.

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  5. What wonderful thing to live in a town where the tradition of homecoming is so honored and valued. Your 50's photo is great.

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  6. So sorry your school came down. But it seems the tradition and memories live on. Love your 50th pic and the jar.

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  7. I saved a brick from our old school building (where I worked, not high school) & love your jar. Your town is larger, but it sounds like my husband's homecoming where so many return from all the years. Special! I'm glad you shared, Leigh Anne!

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  8. We lost a favorite school as well a few years back. It's amazing how much a building can hold. I am glad you have homecoming as a continued tradition.

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  9. We lost a favorite school as well a few years back. It's amazing how much a building can hold. I am glad you have homecoming as a continued tradition.

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  10. I love that you hung on to bits of rubble - your memories of this wonderful place.

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  11. Great jar! I teach high school and it is homecoming week. Thanks for the reminder of the memories these kids will make this week are precious and not an interruption to my plans.

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    1. I know it is hard as a teacher, but these are the times students remember! Thank you for remembering that!

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  12. What a great story.I love you rubble and how your friendships have held together over all these years. I went to two high schools and moved across country from where I grew up. I didn't do a great job staying in touch with high school friends, though I;ve reconnected with a few in the past years.

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