45 Year Class Reunion

I had no idea how much our hastily planned class reunion would mean to the classmates who showed up. But this “45 years in the making” event turned out to be a huge success on MANY levels.  I’m only sorry I couldn’t track everyone down in time to join us.

Last night as I looked around at all the “kids” from our class, I realized that every one of them has touched my life in some way.  And what a great feeling it was to reminisce with each one of them about those “glory days”…those days when we thought we knew it all.  So last night we visited, and connected, and LISTENED to each other…and it felt good.  The stereotypes that had channeled us into high school cliques are over.  No more labels…”jocks”, “cheerleaders”, “nerds” etc.  We’re now just The Class of 1969.  How cool…just to BE.

But let’s make one thing clear…The Class of 1969 STILL knows how to PARTY.  We closed the place down!  Well…the place does actually close at 11…  But we DID stay until closing time!  (It sounds good, anyway.)  Not bad for old farts.

The private outdoor patio location and the weather were a perfect combination.  Absolutely perfect.  The Kalona Brewing Company and server Sara made the dinner and drinks a seamless and delicious part of our celebration.

And my Memorial tribute to those classmates who are no longer with us led to an impromptu flood of comments (some funny…some sad) shared by everyone about each of those classmates.  It was awesome…and touching.

In fact, the entire group had so much fun reconnecting it has been suggested (by many) that we not wait five more years to meet again. As birthday girl Sandy said “We’re not spring chickens any more, so let’s meet again NEXT year”.

So let’s just say I’ve already called the manager at The Kalona Brewing Company to thank them for their great service last night, and to let them know the Class of ’69 will be coming back NEXT year…God willing. That is…if they’ll HAVE us.  (Like I said…We’re Party Animals!)

And I hope we can track down every living, breathing classmate to join us next time, no matter where they live.

Yes…last night, after 45 years, many of us realized we’re no longer classmates…we’re FRIENDS.
ALL of us…Together Again.  Only better.