Taking a trip down memory lane, all the way back to , arguably, the greatest decade : the 50s.  My book, IT WAS WHAT IT WAS,  is stuffed with anecdotes , character descriptions, and memories of growing up in a small Southern town post-WWII.

Life was good.  The war was over and won ; patriotism was at an all-time high ; chocolate and gasoline were available again , and people were generally happy and prospering.  Very different from the angst and political negativity that we are bombarded with today.

And it brings to mind the BIG FOUR !

Life consisted of close-knit families , who, for the most part , dictated friendships.  Not by design, but rather by an acknowledgement of  ( although unspoken ) and an appreciation of common values and visions.  Hence the little special group known throughout the town  ( and referred to ) as the BIG FOUR  :  Betsy , Peggy, Dot, and me.

Let me make it perfectly clear, however.  Two of my most special and closest friends were NOT a part of this defining group, but rather were a  a year younger and a couple of years older .  Jerri and Elizabeth were  ” besties ” , to use today’s terminology , and I was blessed to call them friends.  Elizabeth died several years ago, but Jerri and I remain close and in contact.

But back to the BIG FOUR………

Betsy was strong-minded and bossy, the only daughter of an elementary school teacher and a hard-working daddy.  She was always in charge—–or wanted to be.

Peggy  was the smartest of us all and the best listener.  She could always get us right to the point of any situation.  Her parents owned the only furniture store in town.

Dot was the cute one, and when the boys came around, it was because she was there. The other three appreciated that about her !  Her daddy was in the family business and her mother did not work.

And then there was me !  Enough said………..

The friendship was special, tight, lasting——–and even when we argued or fought, the strong foundation of common interests, family connections, and shared values never wavered.

Betsy is a retired librarian and lives in Alabama and is having some aging issues.  Married her high school sweetheart, but after 3 children, has been divorced for years.

Peggy lives in another part of Alabama, received her Doctorate and retired as high school French teacher.  We laugh about her husband  ” picking her up ” at a public square dance——and now married for 64 years !

Dot is recently widowed, having been married to a doctor, and is living in an assisted living facility.

As for me, I write………….

Life was life to its fullest in the 50s.  Perhaps it has become a bit romanticized, but my memories have never wavered.  It was a village and it took a village, and I remain proud and grateful that I shared that moment in time with Betsy, Peggy, Dot, Jerri, and Elizabeth.

All of them were bridesmaids in our wedding in 1960.  What a legacy.

My fervent wish is that my memory takes you back to your memory and you will share.  Sometimes going back means more than going forward !

My book is still available at Lulu Publishing or Amazon or  any other on-line sources .

( Always appreciate the thoughtful people who share and/or comment ).

 

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