The Second Battle of Shiloh The switch to college life can definitely change people. In high school, one makesfriends that will hopefully last a lifetime. Then comes senior year, and after all the collegeadmissions letters have been received, one must face the realization that his/her bestfriends will not be by their side 24 hours a day / 7 days a week any longer. Still ecstatic bywhat this new life, college, holds for them, students enter into their chosen institute ofhigher learning. Do you remember that first break, or long weekend, that brings everyoneback to the place where they grew up? Its a chance to look back and catch up on oldtimes, even though you’ve only been separated for a month or two. Whether cominghome from UGA, Tech, or even some out-of-state college, that drive home gives one timeto reflect. Will my friends who I graduated with be the same friends who I know andlove? Like I said, college alters people, and the first time you see old friends, you mightrealize that your best friends are not who they once were. Although painful, this is aprocess that is natural. Friends change, and friends move on with their lives, regardless ofyour presence. On a larger scale, this is the dilemma brought to the readers attention byBobbie Ann Mason, author of “Shiloh”.In Mason’s “Shiloh”, Leroy and Norma Jean Moffitt are a married couple living inPaducah, Kentucky. Leroy has spent the past 15 years driving a tractor-trailer across thecountry. Four months ago, Leroy was involved in a highway accident that required steelpins to be placed in his hip. He returned home to rest and rehabilitate his leg. He isconfined to his house, something that he hasn’t seen for an extended period since he’sbeen on the road. Like a college student, this is Leroy’s long weekend. Leroy comeshome to his wife, Norma Jean, hoping that she will be the same person he left many yearsbefore. U...
