Seriously, my Homecoming sheds a whole new understanding about the traditions of HOCO. First, it is possible for a person NOT to know what HOCO means. For example, around Grandma’s dinner table last month, my very ultra-cool socialite cousin, Miss Kathryn mentioned the need to text her friends about planning for HOCO. “What’s HOCO?” asked Grandma. To this, I ask, “How can a person, born AND living in this country for over 61 years AND a “novel” historian AND a former high school teacher NOT know the acronym HOCO and its inception into American culture since the early 1900s? We don’t know.”

What I do know is that My Homecoming can shed light and wisdom on any person wanting to participate in this delightful and rather drawn out week of drama and complex convention.

First, when should a young person begin “dreaming” about homecoming? At least 6 months in advance. You mustn’t leave anything to chance. You must have your eye on that special someone. I recommend tall, tough and handsome but, you can decide. A girl has to dream.

Second, make your intentions known far in advance…say no later than the first week back at school (or in a new NICU.) This way, by the time homecoming week is upon you, you can breathe easier; enjoy eating without a “G-tube” and look forward to your new ride home.

Disclosure: the week of HOCO is very exciting but, very, very long and risky (remember, my three brothers live in the same house I do.) It necessitates the need for competent, fearless chaperones to insure young people’s safety and well-being. In less than one week, My Chaperones were trained to master my After Care: demonstrating how to remove and replace a g-tube if needed, performing infant CPR and using an “at home” oxygen apparatus. Did I mention, it takes a whole 30 minutes to “create” my special dietary formula concoction–a very precise and complex task. We won’t even talk “bum-bum” care and bathing, daily physical therapy and strapping me into this safety contraction known as a “car-seat.”

Last, but certainly NOT least, I thank all the persons on the HOCO Committee at Primary Children’s Hospital for making this the most prepared, professional and memorable Homecoming possible.

Really, Thank-you.

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