Way back when, I said I would never go to a reunion. All the people I would want to talk to, I already had frequent contact with anyhow. So, there wasn't much reason to go. Then, over the following decade, I slowly began to let go of my grudges. Surprisingly, I began to be a much happier person as a result. By the time I was made aware of this shindig, I was beyond excited. I almost couldn't wait to see my nearly 100 classmates, most of whom I hadn't seen or spoken to since graduation.
This past weekend I traveled back to Batesville for Southside High School's Class of 2ooo's reunion. The only instance of awkwardness occurred when I met up with a gal with whom I had a less-than-perfect ending. We looked like two dogs sniffing each other by the way we each looked at and listened to the other person just waiting for them to say something wrong. Once we sniffed out that everything was alright, we moved on with the pleasantries.
Even that moment included, the weekend was nothing less that amazing. Honestly, it was. Although only a handfull of my former classmates showed up, those who did made the weekend perfect. Chatting about everyone's new families, careers, and whatever else has happened over the years...well, I just don't have the words. It was just peachy.
Anyhow, the point of all this is to encourage you show up to your reunions. No matter what happened back then, everyone will be laughing about it now. Having a few hiccups in our reunion, I thought I would provide a few pointers to help with yours:
- If you don't have children, rent one or two. You'll fit in much better.
- Plan everything early.
- Have door prizes for the night when the adults are out for drinks. Have the gifts donated by local business.
- Have the date set in the Spring or Autumn. Arkansas is too humid and hot for Summer meetings.
- Lighten up and have a blasty.
Our class song. "Wish You Were Here", Pink Floyd.
(I suggested "Nothing Else Matters" and lost by one vote. Thanks, LESLIE.