Peachy's Ramblings & Muses

REUNION REMINISCENSES:
I want to say ’thank you’ to everyone involved in putting on the Class Reunion this past weekend. I enjoyed myself more than I ever expected to, even through some tears as I watched the video. I loved looking for young faces in older ones, and found that everyone agreed with me that we’re too old now to worry about not recognizing someone without looking at nametags. I enjoyed not recognizing some people right away, and then knowing them instantly when I got close enough to look into their eyes, or hear their voices, or see their smiles. I decided that people whose hair is the same style as before are easier to recognize, and that some people just never change enough to make a difference.
I especially loved getting to see Chris’ sister Karla, and later I got to see the little baby I rocked to sleep in a rocking chair while Papa Rick sang Dean Martin songs to him, little Johnny, Chris’ nephew. He’s full-grown now, and a little grey, and looked so much like Papa Rick that it almost brought me to tears. I got to see Chris’ other nephew, Mitch, as well, who I already knew. Mitch is the big one who reminds us all so much of Chris, even though he never knew him. Karla looks so much like Mama Rick now that it was almost like having her there.
I felt so much love and friendship and kindness from so many people, shared memories, was reminded of things I had forgotten, and got enough hugs and kisses to last me until the next reunion. By then I’ll have gotten into the boxes in the attic, and I’ve promised to bring pictures, scrapbooks, whatever I can find, to our 50th. I hope everyone else will as well.
One of the highlights of the night for me was seeing Sandra Hammond get her roses, and acknowledgment for all the hard work she’s put in through the years.
Everyone involved this year deserves all our thanks, especially for Saturday night. Inviting Coach Henderson and Coach Hinson was a wonderful idea, and I now have permission to call Mrs. Henderson ’Gloria.’ Friday night I watched Paul Sedelmeyer hunched over in a chair, talking to the two coaches, and imagined that I was seeing something that had taken place many times so many years ago. I got to hug Jack Hutchinson, who I hadn’t seen since high school, and see the man who I remembered only as a young boy. And I got to see so many more of the team I used to watch over the fence at football practice in the afternoons, marveling at how loud the sound of shoulderpads hitting shoulderpads was. I saw a few of them at Jesse’s book signing in June, and I’ve seen some of them through the years in town, but some of them I hadn’t seen since we graduated. One of them saw me crying during the video, and that friendly pat on my shoulder was a kind comfort. Someone else came up to me after the memorial service, someone who had noticed that hearing Chris’ name was difficult, and her words were a comfort as well.
There were guys there who shared the sad days with me when we lost Chris, Chris’ closest friends, and so much went unsaid this weekend, because there was no need to say it. They know who they are, and there’s a special bond with them that makes time disappear. He’s still around when we’re together, and that’s a good feeling.
There were people there who I’ve known since kindergarten, for goodness’ sake. It’s incredible to think of how much time has passed since then.
I know everyone had a good time this weekend, especially when the music started. Some of you old folks really can dance! And listening to Jess…… well, I had no idea……….. I thought it was a professional recording being played by a DJ.
It’s amazing to me that a time span of just a few years, so long ago, still means so much, but it does. I can hardly wait for the next reunion. Well, on second thought, we don’t really want the years to go that fast anymore, do we? I’ll just say that I’m really looking forward to it.