10 years out, 10 years back

I went to my 20th high school reunion this past weekend in my hometown in PA. I had many feelings about going: not going to go because I haven't seen any of those people in 20 years, definitely going for the same reason. It turns out I need not worry - everyone felt the same butterflies walking in.

One thing that struck me was how much some had aged and how little others had. It was not unexpected, just amazing in the execution. The journey we had all taken had clearly been more arduous for some. I found myself talking to many of the same people I did in high school as well as several that I never really knew. There were the cool kids, the athletic kids, the stoners, the nerds (my circle) and the smart kids - all mixed together, all drinking wine or beer in a very civilized way.

I got a drink for a woman I hadn't seen since high school and it struck me: the last time I saw her I wasn't even old enough to buy her a drink. Ten years out, ten years back is a long trip. My wife suffered silently (and minimally I hope) because she knew a couple of my classmates who we see at holiday parties and spent most of the time with them. Another thing that struck me was the longevity of some relationships - there were several couples who had been married 12, 14, 16 years - couples that had been together since sophomore year. Together for 22 years...awesome.

In keeping with the theme of this blog - the music - unfortuantely wasn't very good. The band that was hired also acted as DJs and didn't really do a good job. I was expecting more of a Grosse Point Blank kind of musical experience and instead got something more like the dance in Sixteen Candles. Why couldn't we have had Oingo Boingo?

Five songs that remind me of high school (all in a good way):

1. So. Central Rain - REM
2. Melt With You - Modern English
3. (Don't You) Forget About Me - Simple Minds
4. Should I Stay Or Should I Go? - The Clash
5. I Ran - A Flock of Seagulls

With sadness in my heart and joy in my mind
I thought about the ghost that we left behind.

Comments

Johnny O said…
RC - I enjoyed this post. It will soon be 20 years for me. You are a good cubemate and teammate. - JPO
3:09 AM
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