I came. I saw. I greeted. Then the 3-day extravaganza was complete, the mood that accompanies “The Party’s Over” settles like a heavy veil and envelops my thoughts along with a warm blanket of good feelings. As an individual who feels far too deeply and is exceedingly sensitive, each event presented personal challenges. Thankfully the book I wrote about the history of the school district, and was hawking, was able to allow me to be “present” and engaged.
The series of events was well planned. Kudos to the organizers. Even brief moments with friends from elementary school days was revitalizing. And looking back on our past exploits was a welcome waltz down memory lane. The only missing component was recognition of class members who have passed. They were a part of us and we are the stewards of their memories.
Perhaps the good feelings will persist as an undercurrent in a part of our unconscious thoughts. Though we know we can never go back, those times are part of what shaped us as individuals (for better or worse). May we continue to grow as human beings with those memories as part of our foundations.
Was it all rainbows, lollipops, and unicorns? Of course not. But neither is life. And since this was a part of life’s passage, it should not have been expected to be all sunshine and goodwill. The vast majority of it was.
Our location in upstate NY provided a warm backdrop for the events. There’s nothing like autumn in the Northeast, even when the fall colors aren’t their most brilliant. One event took place at a local state park. It’s a place I take for granted since it’s always there and has always been there. It was a perfect setting for an afternoon picnic especially since Mother Nature was in a good mood.
“The trees are in their autumn beauty./The woodland paths are dry./Under the October twilight/the water/Mirrors a still sky.” William Butler Yeats
As far as autumnal music is concerned, there is plenty. The vibe on Saturday could well have been Earth, Wind, & Fire’s joyous “September.” “Our hearts were ringin’/In the key that our souls were singin’…”. But as someone whose thoughts are usually on a deeper and more soulful level, my memory flits to some more classical type songs, like “Autumn in New York” featuring Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. “Dreamers with empty hands/They sigh for exotic lands/It’s autumn in New York/It’s good to live it again.” Soulful and wistful.
Embrace the moments you’re in. They’re finite.
Photo credit: Kathi Russo Cannone
