Class Reunion!

I loved going to high school! I can't say I was a scholar, actually I met my goal; to have grades good enough to attend the nursing school of my choice. My memories of high school revolve around my friendships, school dances, homecomings, pep rallies, basketball and football games, movies,slumber parties and dates. Like most who will read this blog, I had a group of friends that spent a lot of time together in school and out. Unlike many, our group of friends have stayed in touch throughout the years. The class mates who live in my home town have faithfully planned a class reunion every five years since 1963. There I finally admitted the year I graduated from high school.

50 Years ! 50 Years! 50 Years? It seems impossible that 50 years have past. I'm stuck, in my mind, somewhere around 30 years post high school. Maybe it's because my classmates "haven't changed", "look the same" since graduation. Oh, if I could have a dollar for every time I heard that expression last weekend. Well, I guess you can judge for yourself how young my 1963 classmates look.

The years have not dimmed our friendships. It's as if time stood still when we meet and visit again. As this picture has captured, we enjoy each other.

We began our reunion weekend with our first ever grade school class reunion. Thirty-six in attendance, some spouses and friends. I must admit I had an emotional reaction when I stepped in to tour our grade school. This picture of the school is as we knew it. Today, there is a woods in the front yard. In 1959, we had a woods across the street from the school that was leveled to build houses. Seems ironic to tear down a woods then spend money to recreate it. The next few pictures are of the hallways and gymnasium. The gymnasium holds a lot of memories: gym class, music assemblies, concerts, Twilight Hour (junior high dances), basketball games, cheer leading and graduation. We left this school in strength and physically fit bodies and return as older adults with the frailties of life.

Although Susan lives in Mississippi, she stepped up to design the invitations, complete directories for both the elementary and high school and plan the grade school luncheon. I'm proud to call her, friend. We lived in the same neighborhood and have known each other since we were four years old. We share many memories of playing dolls, building sand castles, birthday parties and school days.

The class of "63" enjoyed 3 gatherings. Ella White Reunion, beer and pizza night and the more structured dinner and program. Our graduating class was around 215 students. Since 1963, 39 classmates have died. We honored each one with a balloon launch. It was a rather somber reminder of our mortality. A few of them were really close friends and dearly missed. The evening continued with a wonderful meal and Bill led us on a walk down memory lane.

For several classmates it was their first reunion! Others couldn't come for various reasons. I must say that I missed seeing my old friends, Judi, Louella, Connie, Leslie, Sally, and even a few of the guys. Hopefully they will return to Alpena for our informal gatherings in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and our 55th in 2018. Over the years, even the spouses have become friends.

Oh, yeah our class slogan is still one we can all agree. Thanks class mates for a memorable weekend!

Gifts

It wasn't until I read the book, "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp, that I became truly aware of the many blessings I receive daily. This post is about the visit of all seven grandchildren, a couple weeks ago. I will tell my story through the lens of gifts. 1. The gift of having my daughter-in-law drive almost 1000 miles (one-way) and bring four of our grandchildren for a visit. Thanks, Ang. 2. Safe travel and good little travelers. 3. Hugs and kisses, smiles and laughter from grandchildren. 4. Our kitchen table is full with good food and good times.

5. Sleepyheads in pajamas 6. Two more children arrive from the Chicago area to play with their cousins. Thanks, Kim. 7. An afternoon with all seven, Conley's here, on a rainy, indoor play day. I have energy and joy for the task. 8. Umbrellas and tractor rides from grandpa.

8. Daughters-in-law having lunch together. A gift?, yes. 9. Princess bingo, Little Mermaid, Legos and Playmobiles. 10. Rocks in bushes & grass, chalk drawings on sidewalk, basketballs being played with and water balloons. Dan's bike being rode by his son.

11. Cool nights, sound sleep. 12. Surprise party for two almost 7 year olds!

13. Precious memories of the past 7 years as Hudson and Claire grow and thrive. 14. Sunny summer day. 15. Beautiful beach. 16. Warm sand 17. Found a parking space. 18. Light breeze 19. Warmth of the sun 20. Fresh water. 21. Children having fun 22. Sandy bottoms

23. Beautiful daughters-in-law.

24. White caps 25. Care free atmosphere 26. Freedom 27. Lunch on the beach 28. Playing in sand 29. Sand toys, swings and slides 30. Sun screen 31. Taking time for a grandma picture 32. Love. 33. Colors of sky, water and beach 34. Sailboats on the horizon. 35. Families having fun Honestly I could go on and on with the over whelming feelings of good will. Thank you God for your abundance of grace. Take time to notice how God loves us and provides for each of us. As a nation and a family, we are blessed.