Reunion
We celebrated our 50th high school reunion and a lot of moving pieces came together to make it a fun evening. But below the surface of the laughter, music, and conversation there were a mix of emotions in play. For example, about 40 of our classmates are no longer with us and we recognized them at the memorial table. As I spoke to people it became apparent, we have all had our share of issues from personal medical issues, marriage/relationship highs and lows, aging parent issues and family passing away but it was balanced out by joyful things people have experienced and encountered in life. It was fascinating to hear the career paths that some people took from beneath the earth (oil drilling) to the skies (working for the airlines). It was also interesting to see who was still working and who was retired. I think two topics of conversation were a tie - grandchildren and knee problems. At the end of the event, it was again a mix of emotions because while I hope most people enjoyed the evening, there was a small feeling that this could be the last time we have such a big, organized get together and who knows what the future holds for any of us. The takeaway, reminisce with friends about the past, be hopeful/optimistic for the future and be grateful for what you can squeeze out of the present.