You can go home again

Dear Editor
Oh how wonderful it was to return to my childhood home town of Arma to celebrate my 50th year high school class reunion. The attendees of our “Class of “58” stayed very busy. We attended parties, dinners, rode in the homecoming parade, and visited classmates who opened their homes. Committee members worked diligently to ensure everyone had a great time.
Returning home always puts me at ease. I feel secure revisiting my roots and many of the places I remembered while growing up. The peaceful countryside, smiling faces, relaxed pace of life, warm hospitality, real caring, and the steady conversation with well wishers and other friends reached deep into my heart. It is from my heart that I would like to thank everyone. This is what makes America such a great place.
While in Kansas I visited the Miner’s Memorial in Pittsburg. The Memorial is beautiful and pays tribute to the hard work and illustrates the mining history in a great way. I was especially touched when I saw so many names I recognized with one of them being my father, Giuseppe “Joe” Massa who worked the coal mines in Camp 50. As a small child my dad would return home from the mine every day around 4:00 PM. My two brothers and I would run to the corner to meet him. He always saved a piece of fruit or some kind of treat for the three of us to share. These memories of my early years will never be forgotten as I reminisce and cherish each and every one of them.
Regardless of what changes or happens in the rest of the world, I can truly say, “There is no place like home”. I will be back again.
Judy Massa Fisher
Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.