I used to think a 50th high school reunion meant life was almost over. Good grief, the people are elderly! I am soon to be counted among them. Though I can’t fathom how time passed so quickly, I am on the cusp of attending my 50th high school reunion.
Due to my authorship of a book on the early history of our school district, I was asked to be present at the last two 50th reunions, classes of 74 and 75, so my book would be available and I could be there to sign it. I did know some folks in each of those classes and I enjoyed seeing their joy as they rediscovered acquaintances and friends. And I benefitted from speaking with so many different people.
I’m happy to sell copies of my book, a portion of each sale is donated to the particular class. But since I didn’t write the book for financial gain, I’m not too pushy about it. The book fills in some historical gaps and has lots of old pictures. Through the joy of these experiences, there were some unexpected takeaways. The Class of 1974 Reunion left me with my first case of COVID. And it also left me a last chat with an individual who had a role in helping to shape my life. Last year’s experience also involved speaking with many individuals who played important roles in my earlier life.
Will it be that way with my own class? It’s hard to say. Seeing fellow classmates has a bit of a different connotation for me. But I’m approaching the activities with an open mind, just as I approached each of the 26 school years I taught high school English (at my Alma mater no less).
I’ve flailed about for much of my own adult life. I mean this in the sense of choosing not to marry and not to have a family. The true love of my life passed away four years ago, not a surprise as he was older. I will be happy to see people I haven’t seen in a very long time…people who brought joy and/or pain. Life is a learning experience and I’d like to experience as much as possible.
It’s only been in the past ten years that I’ve arrived at a better understanding of who I truly am. You see, my hometown is one where people are competitive financially, socially, and educationally. I’ve done my due diligence. My financial standing is modest but very adequate. The real pride is in knowing I’ve done it all myself. I paid for my education, my homes, my vacations, etc. There is gratification in hard work. Socially? I’ve never had true social aspirations. Small talk isn’t my thing and I have never been a “joiner,” so social climbing isn’t an interest. However, I’ve long been aware of my “standing.” My main goal is to be respected and remembered for being kind to people. I was raised with certain expectations and a solid array of manners. I can be dressed up and taken out. Insert me into most any social situation and I’m able to interact with ease.
As for education, I’ve achieved a very (Master’s degree and 30+ other graduate hours) decent amount though have always wanted more. And it’s because I enjoy learning, not to hold my level of education over anyone’s head. As I’ve learned new things over the years, it has opened more and more doors for my own enrichment.
I’m also ”done” with many things. For example, I’m done with agonizing over my appearance. Many people see me around town and I no longer feel the need, or desire, to dress to impress. As a laid-back and casual dresser, my main goals are comfort and neatness. I’ve seldom been enticed by fads or trends in fashion. Ditto for makeup and hair care. I’ve gained a ton of weight since high school. So be it. I’m a product of my life’s experience thus far. You don’t know what I’ve been through or what I deal with daily. Don’t judge the unknown.
I’m a regular person. I’ve done good deeds, I’ve made mistakes, I have some regrets. In the grand scheme of things, I feel fortunate for what I have and I don’t grieve for what I’ve chosen not to have. I look forward to seeing any of my former classmates. And just because I’m a serious and thoughtful individual, don’t ever think a smile or laugh is far from my lips. My sense of humor is robust and has been since I was a little kid. I am still pretty shy in large group settings, so don’t hesitate to approach me.
And I will disclose that I have an epic plan formulating for a future book. It’s fermenting in my brain. There are many levels of logistics involved, so I may not start on the “official journey” until late spring 2027. There is a great deal of research and preparation involved and that will occupy plenty of the time until then.
“I never said you had to offer me a second chance/(I never said you had to)/I never said I was a victim of circumstance/(I never said)/I still belong/Don’t get me wrong/…”. Billy Joel “My Life”
Stories Are For Eternity 