Reunion

I’m in Dallas waiting to meet Grace at the airport tomorrow when she returns from her two-month European jaunt. I can’t wait to see her! But that’s not the reason I’m here a day early. I arrived Friday afternoon to attend a reunion celebrating the 40th anniversary of my high school.

Everyone who graduated from the school was invited, so attendees spanned every decade from the sixties to the nineties. (There weren’t too many present from the 00’s–I suppose because they’re not far enough beyond HS to care at this point.) By far the best-represented decade was the 70’s, and my two sisters and I were part of that contingent. Our brother decided not to come, so we told his friends he was in rehab and encouraged them to send him get-well cards. Serves him right, don’t you think?

Friday night all the alumni were recognized during halftime at the football game. We lined up on the field by decades, forming a huge mob. The organizers had encouraged any former cheerleaders to wear school colors and “lead cheers” on the sidelines in front of the alumni section. As soon as I heard this plan, my tend-to-the-cynical nature plunged into mental mockery mode. I imagined a pack of pathetic, middle-aged matrons attempting toe touches and spraining something. But then I heard from a couple of hilarious women from my former cheer squad. We all agreed to meet before the game and go together, wearing our 30-year-old uniform shirts with jeans. My younger sister was a cheerleader, too, so we all hung out and had a blast. We even cheered a little. And laughed a lot.

Saturday afternoon everyone convened at the high school. The school’s art department had decorated all the halls with impressive, decade-themed artwork. All the former principals came and were introduced in an assembly in the auditorium. A few told funny stories about student shenanigans. One said, “When you guys pulled these pranks, you thought you were so funny. What you didn’t realize was, we thought you were funny, too.” A bunch of teachers and counselors also showed up. It was amazing! Our former choir director directed all the choir alumni in three songs, including the alma mater. My sisters and I participated in that, too.

That evening we attended a party at the Double Tree hotel. We reminisced and danced our tootsies off. The whole weekend was way too much fun.

I think the coolest thing was having all the classes together. Most HS reunions include only one graduating class, so friends from other years aren’t present. I loved connecting with everyone, including younger or older siblings of my good friends. What other chance would I ever have to see these people? It was a gift.

Today I hope to get some work done. I brought my laptop and critique notes from the ACFW conference (which I still haven’t written about as promised–sorry!), and I may also do some shopping. Then tomorrow is GRACE! Woo-hoo!

Be well, journal friends. And if you’re up for advice, here’s mine. Be thankful for old friends and past joys, but live in the now. Life is a fascinating adventure.

As Over the Rhine says, “Every day is a one act play without an ending.” Let’s live our stories like we mean it.