As most schools started this week, Jeanne and I were sent pictures of great-grandchildren who were dressed, smiling, and ready for the first day of this school year.

Pictures always bring back memories and this week, the starting of school with the pictures was no exception.

I was reminded of my first day at St. Peter School in Reserve, Louisiana, 79 years ago.  I was excited and ready for that chapter in my early life.  There were at least 13 Dominican nuns who taught at the school and one lay teacher. Reserve was bigger than LaPlace at the time and the church and school were the main things in the majority of people’s lives.

Godchaux Sugar Refinery was one of the largest industries in the River Parishes and was responsible for Reserve having a high school, movie theater, and swimming pool. Keep in mind – no television, no telephone, and most families didn’t have a car.

It was a simple way of living with everything we needed and it seemed that people cared more about each other. As I reminisce, I wish my children and their families could have experienced the life that I enjoyed.  Realizing that’s impossible, I pray that they will trust God with their future as they love and serve Him.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.