Just four words (and one hyphen) for you:
thirty-fifth high school reunion.
Need I write anything more for this Risk-a Day blog? Well, sure, attending my 35th high school reunion was certainly a risk. On all kinds of levels. We live in Atlanta and I graduated from a high school in Central IL. The trip alone was an adventure. (like a 1000 mile adventure!) But all the baggage that comes with that notion of “high school reunion” made the 10+ hour drive seem pretty long as I headed up there.
After the 10th reunion I had vowed I would never do this again. But, to be honest, it was Facebook that got me there this year. All these friends on Facebook were going to be attending, and I have so enjoyed ‘talking with them’ and reconnecting – so it made the decision to go this time – well…doable.
There were lots of surprises and many things that didn’t surprise me a bit.
I was surprised how some of us had truly gotten older. Some folks I never would have been able to figure out who they were. (I tried not to be too obvious when I looked at the nametags, but I swear I couldn’t help myself!)
AND it was amazing the way that conversations could just pick right back up again. Years melted away. There had been births and deaths. New children, GRANDchildren (!?), state-to-state moves, disappointments, good surprises and joys. Life had happened to us – everyone in the room. Holding on and letting go.
But you know what made the trip worth it? The truth was clear and simple and vivid to me: I liked the reflection of me I saw in their eyes. These folks who had known me all my life, still welcomed me home. What a gift.
Lesley Brogan is tethered to her village. The middle daughter of a middle daughter, she and her partner co-parent two boys (11 and 8) with their two dads. Life rarely seems easy, but in it, there is energy and wisdom -- and, it seems -- just enough humor to get the village through their days.
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I am glad I was involved in that week! It was only about 2 hours long, but it was jam-packed with memories and insights and reacquaintance. I shared it all with my parents (who, with your parents, provided the springboard).
You have good reason to feel at ease with the reflection of yourself. You are a gift.
good job, good thoughts. and i love to read of your sense of Welcome. that’s the way it oughta be~~just good to hear that it IS!
you made it look easy
Lesley, I believe that’s one of the things everyone the world over longs for – someone to save to them “Welcome home.” How wonderful for you to feel that!
Leslie, I MUST learn to read before I hit the button. That should read SAY not save!
Yes, Lesley, I had my “30th” last year, and experienced similar things. Thank you for putting it out here… Another gift!