My wife and I were recently talking along the same lines. We both grew up in California, and I have one living brother there. If I don't reach out to him, I won't hear from him.
My wife still has high school friends down there, but people and life move on.
CA has a life and is evolving all the time. I like to think for the better
We all miss people from our past, and have some good (and bad) memeories of those times.
I am trying to focus on making more memories with the people in my life now, and reconnecting with people from my past and my family as time and opportunity permit.
Good luck, Greg! I'm glad to know you.