At first I thought you had been graduated in '44 rather than having been born then. That's why I asked the WWII question.
I see there IS a Detroit connection. That was, at one time a very nice city, but those days are sure gone! Did your parents go to school in Detroit? They must be in the same age group as I because my kids are 50, 48, and 45. (Yes, they will always be my "kids".)
And California......that, too, used to be a wonderful place, but from what I've heard from friends there, that has changed also.
Heavens, it sounds like I'm yearning for the good old days. (In a few years that will be now. LOL)