This past weekend I attended the 50th anniversary of my high school graduation. Interestingly to me, it was both fantastic and disappointing.
We had a picnic on Friday afternoon and a banquet Saturday evening. Some folks couldn’t come to the banquet, and some didn’t want to attend the banquet. I went to both, but to each their own.
We had name tags with our graduation photos on them, mainly to help people determine who was who! Faces ad bodies change alot over a 50 year time span.
Everyone that attended seemed genuinely happy to see each other. Most hadn’t had a chance to do so since we walked down the aisle to get our diplomas all those years ago. Lots of hand shakes and hugs, smiling faces and laughter.
We reminisced about the “old” days and caught up with how everyone was doing. Kids, Siblings, and assorted family stories were shared mixed emotions. “Get well” and “Thinking of you” greeting cards were circulated for signatures and would be sent to a few classmates that were currently ill, and having a tough go of it.
I particularly enjoyed seeing and speaking with the folks that I grew up with and were the guys that “hung around” with on a daily basis growing up. Such great memories and thoughts of those that were with us back then, but couldn’t attend the reunion. Some had passed away, others just chose not to come. That was a little disappointing, as I really wished a few had attended.
All in all, I really enjoyed seeing my old classmates, and having a chance to catch up.
The weirdest feeling was that I couldn’t grasp where or how that many years had slipped by. My life has been a wonderfully busy and full one. As was everyone elses. We graduated and started down various paths, many not knowing what, where, or how they were going to get there. One step after another, with plenty of milestones along the way. Some great things and some not so great things happening along our individual paths.
Yet, 50 long years later – many coming from far distances away – found it important to come back together for a fleeting moment. It was wonderful to see and I am so thankful that I had an opportunity to attend.
Ruminati 