I think someone has made a drastic mistake. It just can’t be ++ that many years since I graduated from high school. It's got to be impossible. However, since someone has planned a big shindig (they must have lost their cookies), I think I will go. It would be great to see some of those “old” friends. J
For some, high school reunions can be particularly unnerving. Why is that? It goes beyond the fact that we have put on a little weight, that the sun has had too much fun on our face, or wondering what there will be to talk about?
Our lives have been full since those many years ago. We are really no longer that person who graduated at seventeen or eighteen. Life has happened – the good and the bad. There have been jobs, lost jobs, crazy jobs. There have been marriage, divorce and new marriages. We’ve had children. Perhaps changed churches or quit going – you name it. Some have lost their mates or even children in death. How do you even begin to tell, or even want to tell, people what’s been happening in your life?
When you haven't seen someone for 25 years (or more), they're bound to want to catch up. There will be questions about the turns your life has taken. We don’t want to be braggers – or worse – whiners. How do you really show up at a reunion and in a few hours communicate any of this? Many of us don’t even want to. As a result the event often feels superficial and full of small talk. Or we feel like we are front and center, under a microscope.
What I’ve experienced is that we all have similar feelings in these kinds of situations. Your painful transitions – even if you don't delve into details – can actually be inspiring and feel supportive to others. We often feel like we are the only ones with such stories, but we’re not. Life has happened to us all. When we come to these occasions with a soft and open heart, sharing only what we feel comfortable to share, and with a strong and accepting listening ear for the stories of others, we come away feeling like it has been a wonderful time.
You know, in many ways I loved my high school years. Yes, there was all the pain of being a teenager, and I wouldn’t want to do it again for love or money. But when you consider that I graduated from the eighth grade with the same fella I started the first grade with – and, there was only two of us in the class, well, things had to go up from there! Going to a high school with many students and with boys taller than me was new and exciting – I do have good memories of my high school years.
But I still have some angst about the reunion, and I do want to look my best. So here’s my plan. I’m going to lose 10 lbs. by the end of April. (I know, not very original.) So, why am I sharing this? Because I need someone to hold me accountable, and writing in my blog does just that for me. I’ll keep you posted along the way . . . no gruesome details, I promise – just the fun progress!
Anyone want to join me? (. . . on the diet, that is.)
Here are a few good high school quotes from the movies. If you have others please share. Or write and tell me your experience at your last high school reunion.
“It's not the years honey, it's the mileage.”
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) – Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford)
“High school, those are your prime suffering years. You don't get better suffering than that.”
Little Miss Sunshine (2006) – Uncle Frank (Steve Carell)
“The old dreams were good dreams. They didn't work out, but I’m glad I had them.”
The Bridges of Madison County (1995) – Robert Kincaid (Clint Eastwood
