25th High School Reunion

This past weekend, I attended my 25th High School Reunion. It was held at Dover Downs Casino & Hotel in Dover, Delaware at 7pm. Jim & I graduated in the same class (1983) and decided to attend and drive down together. Inside the casino, near the slot machines, behind a large circle shaped bar, the lounge seating area was facing a stage and dance floor with loud 80s era music playing. Was I dreaming or having a prom flash back?

In the last 25 years, I've kept in contact with my classmates by running into them in town or emailing long distance. Every now and then I'll get a "Hi" or a "Whatcha up to?" I'd hear about the new baby or here's the picture of the family. I was so excited to finally see my high school band, drama, and classroom mates after 10 years of quick conversations.

It was my recollection that at 18 we all had so much in common. Right? I mean, come on, we had our youth and our future ahead of us. Now? We've got families, children, spouses, jobs, and life! Many of us live near or have returned to the Smyrna area. Thankfully, we are still looking young and fabulous! Our kids are playing ball at the same fields, going to the same schools, making friends with our classmates children.

After talking about our jobs, families, and what state(s) we've lived in.....we did what most teenagers do....danced and giggled as a little of our "teenage personalities" popped out for the evening. After we ran out of things to say, most of us paired off or formed the same social groups from school. Generally though, we were grateful to be together again. It was familiar and nostalgic. Luckily, most of us had good high school memories. However, within two hours of the event, Jim and I agreed that we were ready to head home. Even after all these years, we prefer hanging out with each other and reminiscing about our own silly fun memories of high school. Even though Jim's hair is graying, and my body is sagging.......we see each other almost every day and don't even notice the "big changes." To me, he doesn't seem to be 40 something; maybe only 20 something. And so, he tells me the same thing, but I'm not so sure (giggle). I'm glad to be grown up and reflect on the wonderful life I've led.