I just got word that theĀ planners who are organizing the 50-year reunion of my high school graduating class have set a date and a location.
It will take place this October at a hotel near Portland (Ore.) International Airport. Ironically, it also will occur not terribly far from where my classmates and I graduated from Parkrose High School.
The old building was torn down years ago and was replaced by a shiny new structure that doubles as a community center.
My dilemma is deepening about whether to attend this event.
The 30-year high school reunion sucked for me. I went back to Portland seeking to rekindle relationships I had with some of the folks with whom I graduated. Much to my surprise — and chagrin — I found that there was nothing to rekindle. You can’tĀ ignite something that doesn’t exist.
I vowed not to go back.
No. 40 came and went. Without me. I stayed true to my personal pact.
Now it’s No. 50 looming out there.
I cannot tell if my waffling means I want to go but I’m looking for reasons to stay away; or whether it means I don’t want to go but I’m seeking a reason to go.
Maybe I need to reset my expectation if I do return to this event.
I hate these dilemmas. I think I’ll pray for some discernment.
I am very sorry to see that your 30th was ungratifying, if only because my reunions were not only fun, but in at least one case I was warmly hugged by a no-longer-young lady whom I hadn’t seen for a long time.
The last one I chatted with guys I never “hung out” with (and still don’t), but who nevertheless came up with great stories about a gym-teacher/football-coach we knew – all I had to do was tell one story about him and the floodgates opened.
(I avoided the fist fight that broke out at my 20th – the same night, oddly enough, that Tyson twice chewed on Holyfield’s ear!)
A “reset” might be worth it – especially if you reconnoiter in advance and find some classmates you liked. Keep a few stories in your back pocket and let ’em fly.
BTW, my old school was also torn down, except for the pool and gym, after only 32 years of service, and rebuilt. My sis said she cried when she saw the demolition effort.