This weekend is my 30th high school reunion. There was a time in my life that I couldn’t imagine being thirty, how that’s as many years that it’s been since I graduated from high school. Age, geeez.
Sometime after college, I began to loose touch with the people I knew from high school. It was only in recent years, in the Facebook years, that I started to again feel connected to my friends from that time. Through their status updates, the names and faces of people who were once a distant memory became part of my daily life. I now get to share in their lives - their travels, their hobbies, their children's milestones, their music, their frustrations, their successes.
It’s that online connection that made me decide to go the reunion. I wanted to see these people, to talk to them and hear in person what I’ve been experiencing through the window of Facebook.
And that all seemed like a great idea a couple of months ago, but as the event draws near, I find myself a bit daunted by the whole thing. Because it’s one thing to give a great status update on Facebook. It’s a completely different thing to say, in person, this is me. In the last 30 years, this is who I have become.
I started to think how great it would be so show up at the reunion and be able to say, “And then, after travelling in Europe for a few years, I invented the Internet.” Or maybe, “I am about to publish my second book, which is scary given the success of my first book.”
Alas, by story lacks the dazzle of those stories.
In the last 30 years, I’ve tried. I’ve failed. I’ve succeeded I’ve made great choices and choices that have taught me a lesson. I’ve had my heart broken and found great love. I’ve traveled all over and I’ve made a home. I’ve lived alone and now have a family. I’ve experienced hardships that I never expected and always found my way back. I’ve met the most amazing people. I’ve felt great sadness and I laugh often. On most days, I am happier than I ever thought possible.
In other words, I’ve lived a life. A rich and full life. And the lessons from that life have helped me to become the person that I am.
So, I have that going for me.
And if all else fails, I can always make up a good tale about how it was me and Al Gore who invented the Internet.
Thirty years is a long time. This is going to be a great adventure.
grinning as I SO relate:)
ReplyDeleteyou go be your fascinating self and
be surprised by all the grace
to soak up the sweetness
and walk away with your chin up
and your eyes sparkling all the more!
-Jennifer
We never believe the fancy tales at reunions anyways-lol!
ReplyDeleteMost of us have done some good things, some average, some downright depressing but it if you can look back on the whole of it and be happy, what else is there? Well............not buying Apple stock way back when is my only regret. As always, a wonderful post. Have fun re-connecting, I think you find find most are exactly as you remember and one or two will surprise you. XO
A few people may be there to brag, but most just want to have some nice conversations, and you will have a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteMy ten year reunion is next summer, and it's becasue of facebook that I've decided NOT to go. Funny how that works.
ReplyDeleteI've also been thinking about what I could say if I went, and my ultimate conclusion is that I have no need to impress any of them. My life has moved forward and I've felt like my choices were right. If you're unimpressed, who cares?
Hello Marion:
ReplyDeleteYou are very brave! We have never attended reunions and, so, have completely lost touch with anyone we once knew from our school and university days. As you say, all well and good to keep in contact in the virtual world but, in reality, how will it all turn out?
Whatever, you have lived life and overcome its many challenges emerging stronger for the experience. That, we are sure, will stand you in good stead!!
Enjoy it immensely! I thought I would go to a big one this year too and then realized I didn't have friends in my class then, so why should I go now all these many years later. I live far from that time by memory and by miles. Have fun and I will look forward to hearing how it went.
ReplyDeletei hope you enjoy yourself. and just remember, they are all thinking the same way as you are! no one has lived the perfect life :)
ReplyDeleteha ! I had my 40th (!!!!) last year in May .. I can relate to what you are saying, except +10
ReplyDeleteit was a great event, we are still thinking and talking about the renewed friendships
Hi Marion
ReplyDeletehope you are ok over there. have you been affected by the Lee storm/floods? wishing you and your neighbours well. Jane x
You are one fantastic person..thru bloggyworld that is...so I just know that meeting you in person..or meeting you again in your reunion..Everyone is going to be saying..That Marion...she's wonderful isnt she..Oh yes..yes indeed.
ReplyDelete"On most days I am happier than i ever thought possible" Just stick with that one!!
I am so thrilled to know you...Hugs,Cat
I absolutely relate to this! My life since school has been filled with millions of little moments and experiences but I always find myself feeling inadequate when I check out people's profiles on Linked In or read about other people's round-the-world trips. It is crazy because I might not have enjoyed all of those moments but I would not want to be anywhere else in the world but where I am right now.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your reunion - just remember that everyone else will be feeling the same way. We're all insecure in our own way and we're all more focused on our selves than on others!
I'm now going to make all your moments my own in a few years. This post made me realize just how close to 30 years I am, best to start swimming across the English Channel now, to be prepared. Thank you, this is wonderful!
ReplyDelete