Go Blue Devils!
My high school class--Salem (NH) High School class of 1988--recently held our 25th reunion. It was for me, in a (good) way, a bit of a surreal experience.
After spending fourth through eighth grades at a private Catholic school, my friends all went on to area Catholic high schools. On the other hand, I was moving to the regular public school, which of course meant essentially starting over again.
This was not easy for a very shy -I recently heard a term I like better--"self-sufficient"- person. (Still am to some extent, however progress is slowly being made.) I still had my best friend, but he moved away after a couple of years.
So it was for the next four years. But don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for my shot on Dr Phil. Nor did I have any problems with my classmates, I did have 3 or 4 friends I'd hang with at lunch; that's just the kind of person I was. I was most comfortable just doing my work and going home. After graduation, I didn't keep up with anyone, nor did I go to any of the previous reunions. I guess my attitude, for whatever reason--good or bad---was: OK, high school is over. Moving on. What's next?
Given all of this, what caused me attend my 25th? Well, it all started with a blast-from-the-past phone call my parents got at their house one morning a few months ago. I just happened to be there. It went, in part, something like this:
Dad, answering phone: Hello. (pause) Yes, he just happens to be here having breakfast. (To me): Bill,it's for you.
Me: For me? I haven't lived here in years, who would call me here? (Picking up phone): Uh, hello?
Caller: Hi, it's -----from high school. How are you?
Me: Uh, I'm good. How are you?
Caller: Good, thanks. I'm calling about our 25th reunion. You were on our "missing" list. The reunion's going to be at the end of July. Can I get a current email and I'll send you the information?
Cut to July 27th, 2013. 7:00pm. I'm arriving at the Executive Court Banquet Facility in Manchester, NH. The food is out, the bar is open, and the DJ is at his post. And even before I check in, the folks at the table know who I am, and I remember them too.
After all this time, I remembered more people than I thought I would (of course the name tags helped.) But it was a good time. Never mind that it was a reunion, we were just getting together for a party. Talking about kids, work, vacations. We all did pretty well for ourselves; they were impressed with my work at the museum, I was impressed with all their accomplishments. We even have a local celebrity in our ranks.
It had taken me so long to decide if I was actually going to go that I missed the early bird rate for the ticket. But I'm glad I did attend. Maybe it's just a matter of perspective; sometimes you can't see the truth of a situation while you're in it. We were just kids then.
In the end, from twenty-five years out, my class is a great bunch of interesting, talented, fun people. I'm off the "missing" list, and looking forward to the 30th.
Cut to July 27th, 2013. 7:00pm. I'm arriving at the Executive Court Banquet Facility in Manchester, NH. The food is out, the bar is open, and the DJ is at his post. And even before I check in, the folks at the table know who I am, and I remember them too.
After all this time, I remembered more people than I thought I would (of course the name tags helped.) But it was a good time. Never mind that it was a reunion, we were just getting together for a party. Talking about kids, work, vacations. We all did pretty well for ourselves; they were impressed with my work at the museum, I was impressed with all their accomplishments. We even have a local celebrity in our ranks.
It had taken me so long to decide if I was actually going to go that I missed the early bird rate for the ticket. But I'm glad I did attend. Maybe it's just a matter of perspective; sometimes you can't see the truth of a situation while you're in it. We were just kids then.
In the end, from twenty-five years out, my class is a great bunch of interesting, talented, fun people. I'm off the "missing" list, and looking forward to the 30th.
1 comment:
From Email:
Ted--I bet that if you were not there for that phone call, you would not have gone even though you may have been notified of the event. That little personal contact can make a difference.
From Facebook:
Jeff--I read your blog. Impressive. Most impressive.
Ellena--Nice work! Glad you enjoyed it so much.
Ted, you are probably right. I think that did make the difference.
J and E-- Thank you very much. Glad you like it.
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