This is a class that has only had one reunion, a 10th, and I did not attend that one.
My class had about 220 people in it; I was 5th in my class in rank. I was one of two student speakers who stood before the class, along with the valedictorian.
It was a really long time ago, those years when I was 17 about to turn 18. My whole life was ahead of me. If I only knew!
But don't we all say that when we are feeling nostalgic?
It was great seeing these old comrades, even though I was a bit of a loner who did not hang out with any specific group. A class of 220 divides itself into so many smaller sections - the jocks, the smokers, the smart kids, and others. I think this has gone on since time began and will always continue as like seeks like and prejudices remain regardless of the thinking of the day. It is a part of being human, and it is especially a part of being a teenager.
I was saddened to learn that almost a dozen of us have died in the years since we graduated. Two took their own life. One of the girls pictured above died in a car wreck on the interstate near Hollins about two days after we graduated. Several died from cancer. I knew of some of these passings but at least one of them startled me as I remembered vividly a young girl full of life and mischief. But so it goes.
The rest of us are lucky to be moving on beyond middle age and likely don't even realize it. And here we are, thinking about a big to-do to bring us all together. It's kind of exciting, to think of getting together after all of these years.
I wonder what we will find?
I've never been to a reunion since I moved here from Virginia right in the middle of high school and really didn't get to know anyone too well.
ReplyDeleteI agree though, no matter where you go to school, the kids always find their own group to be in. I think I was somewhere on the outskirts myself!
Never take life for granted and don't sweat the small stuff! I've done my share of bitching and moaning, but stop myself when I remember others whose lives are shorter, sicker, unhappier, etc than mine.
ReplyDeleteI attended my 15th and was bored. Then I was selected to plan our 35th and so I had to attend. Still rather bored but it was nice to see a few of the people.
ReplyDeleteWe were a class of a bit over 200 and have lost 3. One to alcoholism, one to suicide and one this past winter due to her heart, bless her soul.
Now get busy and change this blog before I blow my top!
Di
I never had a high school reunion. I couldn't stand most of the people. I was the punk and they were the disco queens, LOL. Funny thing, when I joined Facebook many from my high school friended me. At first I didn't know what to make of it but accepted. They're not as bad as I remembered, but I doubt I'll head up to NYC for any reunion. Have fun!
ReplyDelete