I am grateful this week for reunions and the fact that I can still attend.  I always hated my senior picture.  My mom said, “Well, it looks just like you!”  I hated that even more. But I posted it anyway to make a point.  I am grateful to have made it this long.

My class has decided to have a 45^th reunion this year.  One big reason being that we have lost so many of the students that graduated that year.  My husband and I graduate together from Enid High school in a class that still holds the record for the largest graduating class ever.  There were somewhere between 650 to 675 members.  To date we have lost almost 100. 

I haven’t always attended the reunions, but this year I plan to.  That number of people who will not be able to attend, makes me realize just how lucky I am.    I met my high school sweetheart at Enid High, we were married much too young but are still together after 44 years (you do the math).   I still live in the same hometown and I am beginning to feel mortal. 

I knew all those students that have passed away since 1971 but the one that stands out the most is a girl I went to church and school with.  We were best friends in school and then drifted apart. I had no idea she was even sick until I saw the obituary.  Patti was 63 and lived a mere 90 miles away.  I let all those years slip away.  I was devastated. Well, the time for devastation has come and gone and the time for action is here.  I need to make more of an effort to see those people that I cared for once, and make the most of the life I have left.

My sister will be driving in from Arizona that same weekend for her 50^th high school reunion.  My niece is getting married at the same time and I’m helping with the wedding.  But busy or not, company in the house or not, I plan to slip away for a few hours for a trip down memory lane and be grateful for one more opportunity to relive a life I love. 

Can’t wait to see you, Class of ’71.