We went to my husband’s 45th class reunion this past weekend. Lucky for us, being on the reunion committee, we see quite a few of these friends regularly. So going to the reunion is not a problem for me, I know enough people to have a good time.Last night at our home, one of the gents said (and I paraphrase) “We know who we are, and weight, age and all the other stuff doesn’t matter.” This statement holds true for that group of friends. Each one has a back story, accomplishments and regrets, but none of that was at the forefront this past weekend. It was about people who were genuinely glad to see one another. Who embraced the changes that time so actively bestows upon us. Some of whom have been friends since grade school. All of whom are the epitome of the meaning of friendship.
I too have a class reunion coming up next year. (Not my 45th!!!) My class reunion will be a lot different. Most of these people have not seen each other since graduation. We are not 'friends'. It will require extensive travel as our first stop is in Berlin, then to Austria, up through Germany via the Black Forest and Neuschwanstein Castle, and finally on to the old high school in Mannheim, Germany. It’s the old school’s last year. So the question arises, do I want to go spend more than a week with people I hardly know? If I knew who was coming. If it wasn’t that long a trip. I never miss a child’s birthday and this trip starts a few days before. However, I am intrigued. The 25th was a blast. But as a class, we are not friends and were I to expect the camaraderie that is so evident in my husband’s class, I would be disappointed. And I’d have to lose those pesky pounds!!! And find the right clothes for not just one night but for a week!Reunions are wonderful. A time to catch up, reflect, and enjoy. A time to sit back and watch group dynamics. A time to be. Do I stay, or do I go?
6 comments:
Wow, I think it sounds great, even with people you have not seen since HS. What an incredible trip, though. How wonderful that you grew up there and have those memories. I wish my children could have had that experience. I'd go!
Wow, I think it sounds great, even with people you have not seen since HS. What an incredible trip, though. How wonderful that you grew up there and have those memories. I wish my children could have had that experience. I'd go!
Oh, please go!! Austria, Neuschwanstein, the Black Forest! I want to live vicariously through you. :)
Looks like they are all enjoying being together. I would definetly take the trip to you reunion. You may look back and regret not going.
Hmmmm, I think I am on the "no go" side of the question. The last reunion I attended was my 25th. We spent too much money on a not very good dinner and sat at a table with friends I see frequently. No one really interacted and everyone stayed in their little cliques from high school. I have skipped the rest and don't regret it. I see the people I want to see, I send in an update and purchase the reunion directory, but would rather spend my time with my friends and family than people who are really strangers to me.
I know the feeling, Marlis. I am going to have a 45 yr. HS reunion this coming Jan, 2011 but we just decided not to attend. It is a 16 hr, flight and I dread the jet lag trip, 12 hr. difference in time which takes me a week to adjust. It's really exhausting going back to the Philippines....Christine
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