Aug 10 2009
High School Reunion Reflections
My high school reunion was Saturday night.
There were more than 500 people at the multi-year reunion. The graduating classes of 1959 – 1970 gathered together to share memories, sing the school and fight songs once more, eat and listen to a band we used to dance to when we were kids.
When my sister and I got to the parking lot, there were people milling around. I said to her, “This can’t be our reunion. There are a bunch of old people here.” We laughed.
I was amazed at the names and faces that surfaced from deep within my memory. I hadn’t thought of these folks for 10 years … the last reunion.
Someone had our Senior yearbook there. Amazing the memories jogged by a few pictures.
The conversation at the reunion was superficial … just the bare surface. We heard about kids and grandkids … what we were doing for a living … how many times married.
In 40 years, you know there was much more that had happened. I had my share of tragedies. I know they did, also. You can’t have 40 years fly by without a roller coaster ride of highs and lows.
But reunions aren’t a time to get to know each other again. They are just a way to touch base and remember where you came from … and then you leave again.
High school played a major role in who you are now. What were some of the high points for you? What were the low points? Have you built on the accomplishments … let go of those things that hurt you?
My grandmother used to say that as people age they don’t change, the just become more so.
Have you taken the potential within you and become more? By that I mean, have you developed your potentials? If not yet, then when?
It isn’t too late to learn and grow. If you always wanted to learn something, unless you’re physically incapable, you can still learn it. People often believe they are too old, too set in their ways, to learn new skills.
Shortly after I received my doctorate, the oldest individual in the school’s history received her PhD in History. She passed on about 4 year later.
If you think it’s sad she died so soon after she worked so hard and accomplished her goal … don’t. She was 92 when she walked across that stage.
When she began her studies, she had to know there was a chance she wouldn’t finish her degree. But, she knew that four years would pass no matter what she did with them. She preferred to have a Ph.D. at the end of those four years.
Think of something you have always wanted to do, and if you are physically able, find a way to do it.
You’ll enjoy the journey and feel great at the end.
