Reunions are a Blast From the Past

A friend of mine recently commented that reunions are like funerals with everyone gathering to mark the passing of youth, not knowing what to say or do. This past weekend I headed to my high school class 37th reunion wondering if his prediction would come true. Would I recognize anyone? Would anyone recognize me? What topics will be discussed - old times or new? Perhaps both.

The reunion was a blast from the past - and it was terrific.
Yes, we talked about old times. Yes, we did the "where in the world is......." game. The very first person I ran into was a friend who had traveled with me to London the summer between 8th grade and freshman year of high school to see another friend of ours. That was an amazing trip - four 14 year-olds let loose in London for a couple of weeks! It would never happen today.

We remembered those who have passed away and talked about those who have been put away. Both sad situations. We laughed about extra pounds and lots of gray hair - or no hair at all! The yearbooks were brought out and we groaned at mini-skits, plaid pants, go-go boots and long hair parted in the middle.

37 years disappeared in a heartbeat.

Where are you? What are you doing? How are you parents, brothers, sisters? The brave spouses who attended were gathered into the group with open arms. Tales were told, mostly true, and at the end of the evening promises were made to visit, to stay in touch.

That will be easier these days, unlike when we had our 11th reunion (we never did do things normally). We've already exchanged email address, found each other on facebook and shared photos with those who couldn't make the party. I've got a new group contact in my address book - NVOT 72. I plan on using it often.