Last night was the main event for our reunion and I, for one, had a great time. Around eighty people were there out of a class of 360 or so and many were spouses or dates. Perhaps a low turnout compared to some schools but plenty enough for a good party. Some, like me, have made it to all the reunions. For others, this was their first.
I always felt I had few close friends in high school and while I’ve made it to reunions, those occasions are nearly the only times I’ve seen my former classmates. As it turns out, just about everyone I talked to say the same thing. None of us felt part the mainstream and most kept in touch with less than a handful of people.
It’s been thirty years and none of us knew much about what anyone’s done in that time and yet it was not a room full of strangers. If you thought of going but just weren’t sure you’d have a good time, please reconsider next time around. We would have loved to have seen you.
I go back because reunions give me an active way to ponder my youth. While at a gathering, I talk with people that I vaguely remember riding my bus and people that I first met in the 3rd grade; people with whom I shared many laughs and people I had a crush on from afar; comrades from band with whom I shared much and individuals I barely knew.
Upon first seeing someone, it often takes a minute or so to remember them and yet at the end of the evening everyone is totally recognizable. Everyone is friendly and happy to be there and glad to see you. You laugh in recounting events of the past and in hearing others recount their own escapades in which you weren’t a part.
You learn what people are up to and it’s rarely surprising. It seems no one has changed. Looking back on who you knew them to be in high school, each person appears to have chosen a path that comfortably fits the seemingly fully-formed person he or she was as a teenager.
For the most part, I enjoyed school but the things that I hated I now find my classmates also hated and we can laugh at the angst we suffered. I’ll be pondering last night, my former classmates (both present and absent) and my youth for many days to come. It was a nice visit and I hope to see you, reader, at the next get-together.
Carol Neubrecht Seidl
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5 comments:
Well said Carol and a big thanks to you, Leigh Ann, Jeff, and everyone else who helped out. We're working on putting up a website for pictures and future events. I'll keep you posted! Mark D
I couldn't have said it any better than that, Carol. The only real unfortunate things that night were the heat, the humidity, and the mosquitoes.
Kevin Tallant
I wish that I could have made the trip back to Michigan for the class reunion, but unfortunately, I was unable to make it this time. I live in Pennsylvania and was unable to make it due to my job (I am a RN and work most weekends) and a previously scheduled engagement. Sounds like I missed a good time! I'd love to see the pictures and see how everyone has changed. I'll be there for the next one! Laura (Boe) Rogers
hey,the reunion was a blast!seeing everyone again after 30 years was so cool.I finally got to tell jarvie how i felt about him ditching me for amy mcveigh because i wouldnt kiss him under the misletoe!cant wait to go to the next one.Better make it five years next reunion,ill bring my depends!!
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