I just got back from attending my 40th high school reunion in Tucson. I have to say, though I enj0yed much of it, the most fun I had was with Jeff and Angie and Cal. Cal is getting more and more attached to Angie and I think when I went in to wake him up and he saw me, it kind of scared him. (imagine waking up and seeing a big beast like me standing over you) He is sure cute and doing so much more than even this summer. That boy will be walking before we know it and then look out world!!
My reunion was good in a couple of ways. I met a couple of my best friends in high school that I literally had not seen in about 35 years. That was so much fun. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. I'm sure the stories we shared were a bit embellished but it was still great to share them with these guys. The best time I had was on Friday night where a bunch of us (about 20) met for dinner and general banter. I was a bit hesitant to just go in (I was 45 min late) but once I was there it was just great. Many that live in Tucson and knew about the reunion just chose not to come. Many just have no interest in reliving old times or renewing old friendships. (not even curiosity about what happened to old friends motivates them to come.) Don't understand that totally and it is kind of maddening but such is life.
I noticed that there was very little of "look at what I have accomplished in my life...what about you?" I have seen that at other reunions. People wanting everyone to know about their careers, how successful they have been...kind of an ego boost for them I guess. This time it was mostly just visiting and catching up...very little one upmanship at this one. I think we are at the point in our lives (all are 58 or 59 years old) where that kind of stuff just isn't as important to most of us. Most talk was about kids, grandkids and what they are doing in retirement. (yes there were several already retired) And then of course...the stories, the embellished stories of the stuff we did as teenagers. I couldn't remember most of it and probably didn't want to hear most of it due to the embarrasments I suffered in those days.
The next night was the big deal with dinner and all. It was a bit disappointing as many of my best friends were unable to attend. Reunions are a funny thing. Everyone comes up to you and asks your name and vice versa and in some cases you have a recollection of the person but most of the time not. You realize that this person had absolutely nothing to do with you in high school and now it is like you are old friends. Kind of weird as all I really wanted to do is visit with those people that were a big part of my life at that time and many of them were not there. Still those that were, it was a kick catching up and seeing the changes and talking about what has happened to them.
A couple of observations I had were that there were a few that had not divorced but most had been through a marriage or two or three. Most had 2 or 3 children but none had 8 and all continue to be amazed at the size of my family. I was amazed at how many still had children in their teens. That is because many had not started there families until they were in their 40's. One woman (Laura Dooley who I had a huge crush on in the 8th grade!!) had her only child when she was 48 years old!! Her child was only 8 1/2 years old. (she won a prize for having the youngest child)
As I read the bios of everyone who responded, it was amazing to me how many of my classmates were involved in efforts to help others with various causes and foundations they were involved in professionally and personally. I think part of that is the era we grew up in....the 60's and the "make love, not war" philosphy that came out of that. Amazing. While it is a wonderful thing in many ways, it also reflects the tremendous effect that the 60's, the Vietnam War and the feminist movement has had on my generation and the way life has been approached by many of us. I don't know for sure but I would bet that a good number of my classmates are quite liberal in their political leanings. I didn't ask and in fact didn't want to know as it would have only degenerated from there!!
Anyway, it was great seeing some of those I did and I'm glad I went. I thought I was in the wrong place for awhile as many of the people looked so old!!!
Love,
Dad
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3 comments:
40 years is a long time! Amazing that you're still having a good turnout at your reunion. Sounds like it was a lot of fun to catch up and relive the glory days.
No basketball this time? I still remember your 20th reunion, where you and a bunch of the boys had a big game, which ended when you crushed Larry McBride's glasses into his face with an inadvertent 'bow. But before that, I remember being proud of my old man lightin' up his buddies from all over the court.
No repeat of that this time, huh?
I was just remembering Ty's 10-year reunion while reading about yours. I'm sure glad yours wasn't in a tiny bar tupe place with no air conditioning where you could barely hear yourself think...let alone what the person next to you was saying (or your baby crying in your arms)! :)
Really, though, I am sure glad that we went as it was fun to meet the people Ty went to school with -his crushes and first kiss...the guys he hung out with. My favorite was Andy Greggory - what a character! He had us laughing so hard! And the other really friendly guy was someone Ty didn't know at all. He talked and talked and when he walked away I asked Ty if he knew him and he said no.
Anyway, high school is an interesting place. On one hand, you grow up a lot and begin to develop into a version of your adult self. On the other hand, who you are in high school has very little bearing on who you will, or can, become later in life. Does that make sense?
Sounds like fun, Mickey! I would love to hear some stories about you in your teenage years...wish I could have been a fly on the wall.
We're sure glad we got to see you while you were down here! It's always an extra bonus for us when you have an excuse to come to Phoenix. I'm glad you enjoyed your reunion.
I agree with Dana about high school. At the same time, when you were going through it, didn't it seem like it was the world? Like you whole life would revolve around those four years. Then you graduate and it's surprising how life just goes on.
Anyway, I'm grateful for the experiences I had in high school. I wonder what my 40-year reunion will be like.
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