It’s 1965, then 17 short years later it May 13th 1983. That is the day I graduated from high school. I’m sure all you math nerds (meant lovingly) have already done the math in your head this is my 35th year reunion. The invitation was sent out and I excepted. At that point I realized I would be returning to a part of Arkansas that I had avoided for the past 30 years. In April of 1987 I returned 7 months pregnant to say goodby to my daddy. That was my last visit.
There is just so much water under that bridge I’m not sure how I’ll feel returning. As the weeks pasted I started to wish I’d never ever said yes. I made a commitment to be there so I had to hold firm and go.
When I got there only a few of the girls really knew who I was. After 35 years, I wasn’t sure myself who people where. Okay it was the guys I didn’t know. After things warmed up it got easier to be there and relax. Faces started to be more clear once voice started to connect. By the end of the night it was more comforting.
We talked about old times. We talked about memories and we talked about where we all are today. Dinner was served and more conversation. In all, the night was pleasant. As it all came to an end several people went a cross the street to a bar to finish off the night. It was the perfect finish.
It was good to see Sondra. Without this lady I would have never graduated. That is an under statement. All these ladies made me feel welcome. I have to be honest. I just wanted to fade into the back ground but they made me feel important and wanted. A special thanks to Stacy who greeted me with a Loving compliment I’ll never forget.
I expected the worse. I thought everyone would judge me and it was far from that. It was really nice. I looked at my past as a child and saw a horrible mess, one filled with pain but realize they were not who did this. As a matter a fact no one in this group had any idea as to what was going on and the drastic inflicted pain I suffered.
Bottoms line we see things different years down the road but a revisit to the past can make it look like a beautiful memory. It’s time I put blame where blame is due. It’s all in the hands of the adults that controlled my life and that is where I’ll focus my recovery. I’m grateful I went. I’m grateful they were kind and I’m great full for the reunion.
we have all changed and gone in different directions. I’m sure we all had demons to deal with. It looks like we are all shinning in life.
