Reunion

I graduated from High School in 1980. Yep... Thirty years ago.

Wow... Where has the time gone?
Times have changed. Things have changed. And, people have changed.

This is me at my graduation in June of 1980. I am seventeen.

Seventeen... I didn't have a clue. When this was taken my plans were to attend Oklahoma Baptist University (no I wasn't a Baptist), get a degree in Special Education, marry my high school sweetheart, and have my first child by time I was 24.

Luckily, I followed God's plan instead of my own. Of course as my life progressed and things were not panning out the way I thought they should, I was , well, devastated. Much later I realized life does have a way of falling into place. Happily, God had a much better plan for me.
My parents had a big shin-dig for my graduation. Lots of friends, family and food. As well as booze. Here I am with my friend Marci, toasting our graduation with glasses of champagne my folks gave me. (oops, I am seventeen... ).
I remember everyone coming to our house, then a bunch of us went to the local YMCA for an overnight of swimming, basketball, and just hanging out. I wonder what ever happen to Marci, that was the last time I saw her, as well as many friends. We all went our separate ways. We didn't have email accounts and cell numbers. We didn't realize that we may never see each other again.

Flash forward to today. A little something called Facebook has reconnected friends. The fascination of stumbling onto an old classmates Facebook page is like. It has been alot of fun as well as useful in allowing friends to reconnect and even help each other in times of need.

Yesterday, my high school had a reunion of sorts. It was a Block Party in the neighborhood of the old high school. We were able to block off the street and had vendors selling us food, drinks and stuff. We had six bands, all consisting of at least one Howe HS graduate.

I went solo, as Sergio got caught up in work at the last minute. The moment I step onto the block I was greeted by familiar faces. Unbelievable. You recognize people but sometimes the name is missing. No problem, we are all there, laughing as we are telling each other who we are.


I enjoyed the evening. I hung out with my Sister Julie, as well as running into friends along the way. Pictured with me are: Maureen K., Amy A. & Me. Donna T & me. And Julie,Bryan S & me.

The interesting thing about these reunions are our expectations. What will people think about me? What will I think about them? How have they changed? How have I?

I don't have big expectations at these things. I just want the opportunity to say hello, reconnect and enjoy the company.

For the most part, I have been very blessed to keep in touch with friends. I lose a few now and then, but always rejoice at reconnecting. It is wonderful to be able to pick up with someone that I haven't seen in years, and feel that comfort immediately.
Occasionally, I will run into someone, happily and then start to remember why we drifted in the first place.

I must say last night was lovely. I truly enjoyed all I ran across. Missing a few that I hoped to see, but for the most it was a good night to be a Howe Hornet.

Reunited

...and it feels so good!

These are some Golden Oldies that I love forever!

I am not sure how we lost touch. We were able to pick up like we never had a separation. There were no awkward moments of silence. Just a lot of gab, laughs and no tears.

Last week when I went to that Howe Block party I was able to run into Lynn & Rich. Sheri had another obligation so was unable to go. Lynn called me this week about lunch over the weekend. We got Sheri & Rich to join us Sunday afternoon, and it was just like old times.

Lynn. Few people can make me laugh like Lynn. She tells wonderful stories and very much "this is how it is" kindof person. Lynn was the fourth wheel of Sheri, Deb, & Jan. She went a separate road, started a family at a young age and basically just grew in a different direction than Sheri, Deb & I. I am so regretful that I missed 25 years of her life.

Rich. I have already blogged about my dear Rich (see "Everyone needs a Richie"). I will love this guy forever. He is intelligent, hilarious and full of love. Funny how he retained his good looks way better than us girls. He is the one that has changed the least in our before & after pictures. Handsome devil! I am so glad he joined us and vow to never lose touch with him again.

Sheri. What can I say? She is in at least half my blogs. At least the upbeat ones. I truly do not know what I would do without her. She is my rock. She helps me keep it together. I know that she is always there to catch me and will never let me down. I am forever grateful we have maintained this forever friendship.

I called Deb on Friday & tried to convince her to jump a plane and join us for this lunch. I wish she could have as she would have completed this circle.

The five of us were into much mischief back in the day. I have the best memories because of these five wonderful friends. The fun, the silliness and the happy times we shared. They kept me sane, kept me laughing and saved my life. I don't know if they will ever truly know how much they did for me.

I love you guys.

Howe Block Party

Saturday night's Howe HS Block Party was a success. Although I left Sergio at home with his back out, I ventured out without him. I love any opportunity to see my sister Julie. Also, knowing that I would run into some old school friends was exciting. Just seeing others reconnect was the most fun. Watching my Sis with her girlfriends was a hoot. Hearing "Audio Diner" and "Big D" (schoolmates that play wonderful music) was a delight as always. I got to see some oldies that I will always love.

The night was beautiful, with a light crisp breeze. Several of the local shops stayed open for us. I of course was very grateful for Lazy Daze, as I am the biggest coffee fan. Tables were on the street. Police blocked the road, and the night was just wonderful.

I cut the night short. I was missing my Sergio, and feeling guilty. He was so looking forward to the night too. I got to see many of his oldies. He would have completely the evening. I am sure he would have enjoyed it.

We would have stayed late and laughed all night.

The High School Website

I went to Thomas Carr Howe High School. There is a website for our school ( tchowe.com ). On occasion I would pop on, got caught up on some current events of peoples lives. It is fun to check the general message board. Usually there hasn't been much, except when a reunion was coming up. Or occasionally someone is looking for someone.

However, lately there is alot of activity on this website. It kindof started with the Class of 1981. Someone wrote something intriguing about old feelings then one by one people started to try to figure out who, what, & where. Then it just got fun & sociable. Reading the stories is like going down memory lane. New post started coming in. Other classes wanted to have their own classes throw out some memories (including my class ~1980~). The comments are funny. The class of 1981 has well over 10,000 hits already! Either it is addicting or too many people have nothing better to do. Now, even I, find myself checking it daily. Sometimes I will add something, sometimes just laugh at what I read.

It reminds me of the younger generation with their MySpace & Facebook. It just is something interesting and addicting. I also have to read my Bestie's Blog every day. Since Sheri is a writer, it is always written well, keeps you interested. Makes you think. Reading it is the first thing I do in the morning with a cup of coffee, as well as the last thing at night I read.

Although I will never have such a gift to write as Sheri, nor reach out to as many people as the Howe website, I will continue to write in this little Blog. It is a release for me. A wonderful way to speak my peace. My audience is tiny. I have told several about it, but only have one faithful reader (Thanks for believing in me & encouraging me Sheri!). I just want to have fun with it.