It's Class Reunion Time!

It was warm August evening around 7 PM when I decided to take my bright yellow Schwinn 10-speed
for a spin. The year was 1974 and in just a couple of weeks I would be making the transition from
junior high to the big leagues. I would officially be a high school freshman.

As I rounded the corner onto the next street I spotted Ann Watson out in her yard. Ann and I were the
same age and had been neighbors for several years.

Of course being a teenage boy and Ann being a cute girl, I had no choice but to stop. We sat in the
grass in her front yard and talked about making the transition up to the big school. We compared
notes on teachers… who we had heard was tough and who was supposed to be easy.

We wondered what the kids would be wearing and if they would act differently. Then we started to
name off some friends who were already in high school that we could count on to help show us the
ropes.

I had already experienced my growth spurt and was just shy of six feet tall, but several of my friends
were still close to the ground. In ninth grade there can be a huge mismatch in physical maturity. At
least I didn't have that problem to face.

Never the less, Ann and I were both more than a little apprehensive about making the leap. Time rolled
away that evening and soon it was pitch black, but I didn't care. It was just one of those magical nights
you sometimes have when you're a kid.

Then I noticed a car with its headlights on bright driving slowly down the street. You guessed it. Mom
had waited patiently for me to return home, but once the clock hit 10 PM she sent dad on a search
and rescue mission.

He just slowed down and quickly beeped his horn as he drove by, but I knew that meant to head home
ASAP. Ann and I chatted for a few more minutes and then I reluctantly hit the street.

A few days ago I received an invitation in the mail for my 30-year high school reunion… Cedartown
High School class of 1978. Unbelievable! Then all those memories came flooding back.

I was one of those guys who loved high school. I arrived early every day just to hang out with my
buddies until the first bell would break up the fun.

We had two lunch shifts and every year I would even structure my study hall so that I could stay in the
lunchroom for both shifts, just so I wouldn't miss anything. If there was a ball game, school dance, or a
party anywhere… I was there. I had one of the biggest music collections in town, so I usually brought
the tunes.

Our school was no different than any other in that we had our cliques, but I hung out with everyone. I
didn't care if you lived in the slums or next to the country club. From the jocks to the marching band
gang and from the brainiacs to the vo-tech crowd, they were all my friends and we had a blast!

Of course graduation sent us in many different directions. Several classmates headed to the military
and stuck it out to retirement. Others gained college degrees and settled into predictable career paths.
A few never settled down and have bounced around over the years.

While many like me look forward to class reunions, some will never attend a single one. It's easy to
leave high school with a lot of baggage. Old wounds from broken hearts, bad grades, or just perceived
unpopularity… it's hard for some folks to go home again.

The five and ten-year reunions are fairly predictable. Everyone is still young, vibrant and most of the
guys still have their hair. Many show up sporting new spouses or manage to find a hot date to show
off. A few have children already.

The crowd generally breaks into those who have started a career and those still wondering what to be
when they grow up. Some of the high school party animals are now tea drinkers, while a few former
wallflowers try to make up for what they missed in high school by getting plastered. It's almost like
being back in school.

By the time the fifteen, twenty and twenty-five year reunions roll around most folks have settled into
their lives. A few show up with their second or maybe even third spouse and some have changed
careers. A handful of classmates have grandchildren!

There are always a few surprises as some classmates exceed all expectations and have hit it big in
business or as a performer or something. Then there are a few who much was expected of that end up
with blue-collar everyday jobs. Even at the twenty-fifth get together, there's still a little sizing up of
each other.

By the thirtieth and later reunions, the Teflon of youth has been replaced with thinning graying hair, a
few extra pounds and the hard knocks of life. It's finally a time to look back and warmly remember the
fun, friendships, and shared experiences of growing up together without the pride and prejudice.

Back in Cedartown in the 1960's and 70's the population was stable. Some of us attended first thru
twelfth grades together, and as schools were consolidated we were almost all together by our junior
high years. We spent more time with each other during our school days than we did with probably
anyone other than parents and siblings.

Hopefully some of those who have been reluctant to come to previous reunions will feel comfortable
and join us this time. We've missed them. If your class reunion is coming up, lay the doubts aside and
go!

I served in the student government but luckily my cousin Bill was the council president, so he's the
guy who has to plan and put our reunions together. I just have to bring my sound system, which
means I get to choose the music. Some things never change.

July 6, 2008