This past weekend I took the opportunity to enjoy a bit of reflection. It resulted from a book I read in spring – The Help by Kathryn Stockett. (A “debut novel” Ms. Stockett will find difficult to follow.)

When I heard a movie had been made from the book a “girls night” seemed an appropriate party theme. The Help is set in 1962 in Jackson, Mississippi and involves the households of middle class white women and the black maids they employ as their help during what we now refer to as the early stages of the Civil Rights Movement.

Nostalgia must have dominated my thoughts as I composed a list of friends with which to enjoy the evening. The next day one of them pointed out, “I was the only one not from around here.” But to be honest, it is still one of the greatest pleasures I have about returning to Conneautville . . . sharing friendship and collective memories of my growing up years with so many of you.

What were the reflections of our “girls’ night” participants? Well, first things first, we had to eat because what fun is a get-together without proper provisions?

Two teachers did the appropriate research and brought authentic Southern dishes. A local dessert aficionado brought a chocolate pie in honor of a dominant theme in the story. At the end of the day we “girls” had to admit we were white, quite young, and northerners in 1962, the images from this movie brought an opportunity to share our unique perspective of protection from the fear experienced by others not as sheltered as we.

Our reflections were of the few friends we had who lived a story different from ours. Life was harder for them, but was it as difficult as those who lived in the south during the initial stages of the Civil Rights Movement? I hope it wasn’t. I hope we were kind and more thoughtful in our interactions and friendships with them.

If you would like a glance into the past, take time to see The Help or read the book. (Available, of course, from your local library or for sale on the shelves of your not so local discount retailer!)

If you like a period piece when you see a movie, you will not be disappointed. The vehicles, kitchens, furniture and primarily, the clothing, recall a time when white shirts with ties and dresses with heels were appropriate apparel for both work and the home.

When spring cleaning and housekeeping were serious endeavors and people took pride in their home, children, food, and work. Feeling a need for nostalgia and/or having the time for reflection made this book and movie significant to me.

Regardless, once in a while it is good to look back, so we can remember and be glad attitudes have changed for the better but in other areas I look back and wish we could restore the good we left behind.

Enough about my week, please let me know what is going on with you, so we can spread the news to the Valley. My email form is Kathy Comp or call me at 814-439-0601.