In the aftermath of a fun 50th high school reunion weekend, there are lessons to be learned and shared for those who love reunions, those dread them, those who never go to them. The 50th is a unique milestone, one that always seemed, to me at least, an event way off in the distance. Now it’s behind us and I think we all were surprised and warmed by the reality of it. Here are my top 10 thoughts:
One. There is a little sharing of what’s going on with the kids, sharing pictures of the grandkids, but it’s not the main thing people talked about. In fact, it was the least thing talked about. Sorry kids. We are much more interesting people as ourselves than you think. Our peers know this.
Two. There were people who attended that I was afraid would feel alone in the crowd, didn’t know if their friends were attending because I didn’t know them that well in high school. I never saw anyone who stayed alone. Maybe it’s because we all look so different now, but classmates introduced themselves to everyone. They were genuinely interested in meeting them and hearing their stories.
Three. The conversations were on a deeper level. In bars and restaurants after the events, at breakfast, lunch, casual conversations, people were discussing the important things in life. Nothing was judgmental, just sharing stories and understanding what life throws at you. Everyone has a story, an interesting one.
Four. There was no division of groups, cliques. Sure, people sat with their closest friends when they could, but people rarely sat still. Everyone was looking for someone they wanted to see or meet. Everybody was interested in the stories of their classmates.
Five. Nobody cared how you looked then or now. Of course it was sometimes amusing or sad or surprising to see how different or how much the same some were, but everybody understands that it’s a combination of life style, genetics and pure luck that we are here at all. There were a lot of classmates with minor to major disabilities, but that was part of their story. We were celebrating that we’re still standing, we’re still here.
Six. You never know what life is going to bring. At the 50th, many were retiring and diving into new interests or careers. We had lots of authors, photographers, travelers in this new stage. People were moving after lifetimes in one place, leaving their homes and friends, to start new adventures closer to their children and grandchildren or just moving to new places. It’s an ever changing time of life being 67-68 years old.
Seven. People commented that they made new friends. Not because they didn’t like the other in high school, but because they didn’t know them then. They met and found common interests and a common past.
Eight. There are a lot of things buried in our memories that just need a trigger to recover. Our 92 year old Latin teacher came from 4 hours away to inspire us once again. She called all her former students to the front with her and then told us to sing. After 50 or more years, the words, most of them, to Gaudeamus Igitur came from our mouths like we sang them yesterday. Who knew that was in there? In fact, I looked it up today and am really touched by what the song says.
Gaudeamus igitur
Iuvenes dum sumus.
Post iucundam iuventutem
Post molestam senectutem
Nos habebit humus.
The translation is:
Let us rejoice, therefore,
While we are young.
After a pleasant youth
After a troubling old age
The earth will have us.
What a wise teacher and what a gift to us to sing something we learned in our youth that means so much more today.
Also, when the band played the songs of our youth, we knew all the words and our bodies moved the same to the music. Talk about muscle memory! We can still party like it’s 1963. Maybe not as long, but the spirit of our teen years lives on.
Nine. Hugs are universally healing. A weekend of hugs and kisses from those who shared your youth does wonders for your health and attitude. There were lots and lots of hugs.
Ten. A classmate wrote afterwards that he realized how much we all need “love, belonging and connection.” That was what it was all about in the end.
The nicest thing is that we are so connected in this place in time when there is no excuse to lose the glow of the weekend. Our class has a website, a Facebook page, and addresses. There were more people adding contacts to their phones, sharing pictures, writing down information than ever before. Those connections mean even more now because we understand that our time is precious and we want to enrich it with the best people we have encountered in our lives.
If you never attend a reunion, I’m sorry. They only get better with time…
A great time had by all! Wish we could have been there!
We’ll do it again as soon as we can – want you guys to be there!
Couldn’t state it better. The experience was and is a treasure my wife, Corva, and will not forget and I hopefully build on. I want to do it again tomorrow! Too bad there is not a retirement community exclusive for the class of 63.
Thanks, Butch. I’m sorry we didn’t get to visit more, but so glad Corva got to come with you & enjoy. What a great bunch we had in that class! Smart, interesting, nice people!
Was thinking of you all over the week-end and it sounds like it was a wonderful time. I was there is mind and spirit though had a granddaughter graduating in PA and couldn’t do it all. Wishing you all a good life and thanks to Karen and Bill. Love, Judy Eitel Wilcox
Thanks, Judy! We’ll do it again soon & hope you can join us. You were missed!
Sorry I had to miss out. I had planned on being there, but I needed some maintenance to keep this old body going. My loss, hello to everyone. Dale & Jeanne Maris
We’re sorry you missed it, too! Keep those parts maintained and we’ll see you at the next one!
Karen,
Great seeing everyone again but can’t say enough about the dedication and hard work thAt you and the entire committee put in for it really showed. Real proud of our entire class, great laughs and reconnecting time.
Thanks, Jim! It’s just such a fun thing to do. Personally, I love reconnecting people. I am always so in awe of our class and the experience we had at Edison.
You had the vision, Karen, always. It was really needed. I love your summation. Thank you, precious one.
Always love spending time with you, Judy! A bunch of us had the vision for the reunion – amazing how even the things we couldn’t control, like the weather, came together for a perfect weekend! We wanted everyone to enjoy each other & see what’s happening downtown. It all worked out even better than we could have dreamed.
patrick reynolds actually had some elementary school reunions as well with some members of our pee wee baseball team great job to the people who put this together
That’s great, Pat! Love seeing people get back together! Really a fun weekend!
Karen,
Thanks to you and the committee for all your planning and execution. It was truly an amazing weekend reconnecting with classmates and Mrs Notley too! We loved walking in the Brady District and especially seeing the bike race up close on Saturday.
Thanks, Prissy! It was so fun to see everyone. I wish I’d had more time for one-to-one with so many people so I’m grateful for Facebook & the internet! So glad you came!
What a fantastic weekend. We got aacquainted with friends we never knew to well, got to get our elementary group together again, and were so thrilled to see old friends we have not seen in years. It’s amazing how that 60’s music let me forget my bad back and have fun. Really missed seeing those who could not make it. It was a trip back in time but oh so much better. And at our age now, we can really appreciate each other so much more. Without our committee, it would not have been possible. Thank you for your gift of fun!!
The best part is that I think everyone had a similar experience. It’s nice that we can appreciate each other so much more these days. So glad you were able to come!!!
Nicely written…I just might try a reunification some day.
You should! Reunions are a lot more fun than you would think. Thanks for writing!!!
Your post was a link on tree52 and I clicked out of curiosity. I’ve read many similar sentiments before, but not as eloquent and all in one place as your essay is. If it’s ok with you, I’d love to link it on my class fb group – we just held our fabulous 40th, and some folks are already thinking about the 45th/50th. Thank you!
Thank you for the compliments! You are welcome to link my blog post to your class fb page. I hope they enjoy it! We are now planning a 70th birthday party for next summer – can’t wait too long between the reunions these days. We lost three classmates right after our 50th who had attended. Hope you all have as much fun planning them as we have over the years.
I heard there was going to be another class of 81 reunion. While searching the internet, the question… Are reunions still worth it? …caught my attention. At probably the worst time in my life I mustered up the courage to go to my 30 year reunion. Four years later I’m still in touch with some of the most amazing, beautiful and courageous women that would otherwise not be in my life. At the reunion, I tapped Larry Heath on the shoulder and asked, Do you remember me? He said, Do you I remember you?! Carleen Decker! We’re in love and having the time of our lives! So YES… Reunions are definitely still worth it!
How terrific! We have some couples who got married after reunions. There’s nothing like those old shared memories to bring you together. Much happiness to you!