Plans commenced months ago. While not previously a faithful reunion attendee, I wanted to be part of our 45th high school class reunion. I also hoped to encourage some of my dearest classmates to be there so I began checking dates and called my friend Mary whom I’ve known since third grade. Growing up we spent considerable time together and her presence at the reunion was important. At our traditional annual Christmas breakfast, our mutual friend Mary Jo and I discussed the September 10th, 2011 reunion. Nine months in advance is certainly a commitment, but Mary Jo was onboard.
Nine months. If I carefully watched my food intake and faithfully worked out, I could achieve a decent size. Maybe not my graduation weight, whatever that was, but time was on my side. Those months went by much faster than the weight came off. Svelte was the desired result, but instead acceptance with reduced expectations resulted.
During the ensuing months, three more friends signed on. Some of us had not seen Judy for nearly 45 years. Mary Ann reconnected at our 25th reunion, and Sue and I live in the same subdivision but our paths don’t often cross. Diligent detective work was necessary to secure the seventh person. In an electronic age, it’s tough to hide from people who really want to find you, and we wanted to find Kay. Through various leads and white pages and people who knew a friend who knew another, we tracked her down. Her initial enthusiasm was subtle but we persisted and won her over.
The seven of us reminisced and laughed, delighted to be together. We sipped wine and swapped stories and photos. Years and distance among us simply dissipated. Sharing memories and incidents with people you’ve known for decades is a gift. Genuine friendships are those that survive distance and changes, with conversation flowing comfortably when everyone is together.
Driving to the class reunion, those familiar feelings of high school anxiety and insecurity surfaced. But once inside the room, the smiles of recognition were warm and welcoming. It didn’t matter who once traveled in certain social circles. That was 45 years ago, and life provides limitless lessons in understanding differences between important and trivial. Besides, memory is highly personal, and while we may agonize over some faux pas of long ago, others have little or no recollection of it. Priorities change, thankfully, and mishaps and successes bring clarity.
In a class of 162 graduates from the Academy of Our Lady, and 155 from Spalding Institute, it’s not possible to be close friends with everyone. Our class was comprised of students from numerous grade schools, and many changes occur from teens to social security. We were amazed at the speed of time and made promises to reconnect sooner than our 50th. Names and pictures of nearly 40 deceased classmates were poignant reminders that tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Keeping in touch is much easier in today’s world of email and Facebook. But nothing replaces personal contact or a friendly voice. Distance isn’t a deterrent if we care enough to make the effort. For now we’re enjoying online reunion pictures and a certain bit of introspection. Algebra and Latin classes, dances and games and adolescent angst helped create friendships. It’s never too late to reconnect and enjoy the memories while creating new ones!