25 Years

     I went to my 25th High School reunion this weekend.  When I was invited a couple months ago, it didn't really seem possible.  I mean, I'm still like 29 right ... so how could that math work.  I was a bit nervous for a variety of reasons, but chief among them was that I didn't grow up to become an entertainer, as was the goal at the time.  I was worried that they might be disappointed.  Isn't that silly.  To potentially deny yourself communion with some wonderful people because they might possibly be surprised in the path my life took.  After a bit of thought, I decided that there were probably a lot of us not doing what we wanted to do when we were 18, so I should get over myself.  And I'm so glad I did.
     There were so many beautiful and wonderful people there.  I graduated from a large high school, so I knew there would be people I didn't really know or couldn't remember, but there were a bunch whose faces came back to me quickly.  I've worked with thousands of people over the years and helped probably 10X that many more after 20 years in customer service, so names sometimes escape me.  Thankfully, I got help with some names and others just told me theirs outright, so it made it easier.  There were a lot of people that I wished would have come, so I could hug them and listen to their stories, but distance played a factor for many people I think.  My biggest wish was to see my best friend again, a woman who I have thankfully been recently reunited with.  I knew she'd never be able to come the great distance with her very hectic work schedule, but a girl can still wish.
     While I watched them chatting and catching up, it was like the years melted away.  I could close my eyes and remember them just as they were, really the way I still see them all.  There was the group of beautiful women in the corner - fashionable and chic, with easy laughter and warm smiles.  The strong, resilient ones who went from group to group, mingling and coaxing out updates on children and spouses.  The gregarious and persistent ones, gathering us for photos and jokes.  There were people who I respected immensely 25 years ago for their spirit and reminded me in only a moment why it was still true.  And there were boys, now men, I adored ... for their smile, their talent, their charm, their convictions.  It was good to see them happy, with wives, with children, with joy.
     There were so many kind words said to me, so many hugs and smiles.  It was a wonderful experience which I highly recommend.  As my father-in-law says, why wouldn't you go out on a limb, after all that's where the fruit is.