Last night, I decided to go to my 30th high school reunion (yes, I am just that old). If this sounds like a bold statement, it is, 'cause in high school, I was pretty much a loner and since I didn't really have any friends to speak of, I was pretty much left to my own devices. Which meant a lot of the time, I was pretty much ignored.
As a matter of fact, because of this impractical policy of being ignored was carried well into my adult hood (imagine that) I chose not to go to my 20th or 25th reunion. I figure if I was gonna be treated like a schmuck, I might as well keep within the family, which is something that you come to expect from time to time.
Anyways, this past summer, I joined a private group on FB that revolved around my high school class. Someone brought up the suggestion of "Hey, how 'bout a 30th reunion?" and before you knew it, we were having a joint reunion with the class of 1982.
And from them, things remained remarkably sane, as for the first time in a long while, I actually looked forward to meeting up with some of my classmates. And unlike last time, I reconciled with myself over the fact that I was probably going to be ignored by the majority of my classmates, and in fact, I was okay with that. I have moved on and if people don't really want to connect with me, then it's their loss.
Overall, I had a good time there as I actually got to talk to people from the class of '82 and one from the class of '80, who decided to crash the party as he had friends in both classes. I gave out a few cards and I like to think I made a good impression on those people that I came into contact with.
I actually reconnected with a few classmates, as one friended me on FB and another, who was part of the organizing committee shared some nice thoughts about my late father with me and asked me to sign her yearbook, which I did.
And I can say with genuine honesty and sincerity, with no hidden meanings or agendas, that a good percentage of my fellow female classmates still looked like they did in high school. Considering that most (if not all of them) are my age (48), that is really saying something.
I can also say with genuine honesty, that some of my fellow male classmates, who were thin and muscular in school, were wearing suits that were bought off the rack from the Big & Tall store. Which to be honest with everyone, I find incredibly funny, because in high school, I weighed around 250, whereas now, I weigh roughly 173.
The only downer of the night, which would probably be surprise to you, is that about 8 classmates have already passed away. Which if you think about, is really tragic. I can understand passing away in your 60's or 70's, but to pass away in your 40's is just beyond my comprehension.
So it does pay to bite the bullet, because sometimes, reality will alter the perception.
Glad you had a good time! I hate class reunions and never go.
ReplyDeleteDebra: Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWe'll see how things go in the next 5 years before I commit to doing another.
Nice. I have my 40th in a year and a half. Might go back to CA then, or might not. There's nothing really there I want to do or see anymore.
ReplyDeleteKc: The only downer to mine was finding out that I had some classmates pass away.
ReplyDeleteBut just the same, it was a good thing for me to do.
You should do the same for yours. Bet you'll be able one up everyone there and then some.
I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it. People do tend to mellow out in middle age. That being said, I have no interest in any future high school reunions. I am still in touch with all the high school friends that I want to be in touch with.
ReplyDeleteS.R.: I'm in touch with very few classmates as it is, so it was an interesting experience to see how some of mine turned out.
ReplyDeleteThat's really sad that you've lost classmates already...
ReplyDeleteNice revenge to come back looking good though!
M: Yeah, it's down right depressing. I'm only 48 and to lose classmates that young (lost one when he was about 14. long story) is a reality check that I simply do not want.
ReplyDelete