Susan Hendley
Cordele Dispatch
Greenville, SC —
Editor:
I was in town (Cordele) last weekend for my husband’s 40th high school reunion, and it was interesting to see the interactions taking place among fellow classmates.
These students grew up in the 50’s and 60’s in Cordele and I heard many of them reminisce about the wonderful environment in which they grew up. It was a time when children could roam free, parents knew one another and they looked out for each other ‘s children.
Teachers and principals did not have behavior problems they could not handle. It was a sweet time when the pace was slower and neighbors weren’t strangers.
With this said, I do believe that change is inevitable and, hopefully, Cordele continues to promote the values that were taught to this group as it embraces change.
I would like to congratulate the parents who raised these fine people. They instilled exemplary character traits in their children and they should be proud of their efforts.
My husband’s classmates are truly some of the nicest people that I have ever met. They appear to be genuine and sincere without pretence.
Most all of them appeared to enjoy reaching out to one another and taking the time to talk to each other regardless of whether they had been close friends in high school. The group did not appear to be cliquish, which is so refreshing (yes, I know they are mature now).
I want to add that the wives and husbands of the classmates were just as inviting, warm and friendly to me as their spouses.
I want to applaud Johnnie Wright Lewis (Johnnie Ruth Wright) for putting her time and heart into the planning for this event. She did a remarkable job.
Thank you!
Susan Hendley, Ph.D.
Child Specialist
Greenville, SC
