Name Changes

The Cleveland Indians announced this week that they're changing their name next season to the Cleveland Guardians. Close to the same name like they're trying to cover up a bad tattoo, but a different enough meaning to be politically correct. 

We went through the same thing way back when I was in college – kids, that was right after the Dark Ages. We were still considered the La Crosse Indians when I started college and had transitioned to the La Crosse Eagles by my graduation. 

Not to say how long ago that was, but you can tell by this yellowed sticker (and price) that it really was a short jump after the Stone Age. Not that that makes me old.

In fact, today I had coffee with two other UW-L Indians turned Eagles. Obviously, it's impossible we've known each other for 30-plus years since we're all still 29! And just like the UW-L Indians, we've all changed our names since then. 

It was mini-housing reunion of sorts since we'd all been on staff at the same time. Our coffee hour sort of fell together. Liz (blue) lives in New Jersey but has a sister in Wisconsin Rapids. Julie (pink) lives in Alabama but has parents in nearby Marshfield. They both just happened to be in my neck of the woods this weekend, so it was fate that we could meet up, chit chat for a few hours, both laughing and crying.

It was just so nice. Really. How blessed to enjoy time with people you've known for decades. A lot of fun memories, but a lot of wonderful things happening in our respective lives now.  

Friendships are a blessing, aren't they?

Go to college, kids. You'll meet the most amazing humans!