July Recap: Reunited

I've mentioned before that I joined the reunion committee for my 20 year *gasp* high school reunion. Whenever someone asks me 'why on earth would you do that?' I have a hard time coming up with an answer. It's far easier, in fact, to come up with reasons why not. My plate is pretty much in a constant state of full, I wasn't exactly well-liked in high school, and frankly, I get to see almost all my favorite people from those days of yore either IRL or on Facebook any time I want.

But I'm one of the few people that still lives locally, I like to organize and plan things, and I really wanted to make sure a reunion would happen. Why? Well, for me, a reunion is like finding out there's a sequel to a book I really enjoyed. To be able to see how the characters are doing, who they grew up to be, what happened next? I like that stuff. I confess, I'm a sucker for those 'where are they now' internet articles where they show where someone I enjoyed on television as a child all grown up. And if I find learning about the continuation of the stories of fictional book characters, or celebrities who are strangers to me... how much more fun to see the 'what happened next' sequel of the people I spent three years with at Perris High twenty years *gasp* later?

So, anyway, yes, I signed up to help. Together with the other two girls on the committee, we picked a low-cost but elegant site, put down the deposit for the room (out of our own pockets) made a budget, chose a menu, put together the website, went about harassing encouraging people to purchase a ticket, all that good stuff. The initial response was great...people seemed to show a genuine interest. We based the prices on about 100 people including guests coming (of the 450 classmates) and then waited for the payments to roll in.

Except they didn't. At one point, we had only 20 tickets sold. total. It was a little nerve-racking. We bumped up the publicity,  tightened our belts, and prayed. We sold a few more.  Finally, I think we ended with just under 50 tickets sold.  It was disappointing, but at least every expense was covered.The girls on the committee and I took a deep sigh of relief.

And then, suddenly, it was Saturday. Time to get together with people I hadn't seen in 20 years *gasp*... all the work that could possibly be done was finished. We just added the centerpieces and stood back as people trickled in. My husband served as the photographer and got some really nice shots of my classmates. (Curious? You can see how well we all aged HERE)

My husband brought in frames as props... it was a fun touch

 

 

With my handsome husband

With my befri, Brandy, being silly and recreating a silly photo we took in 1989

The Reunion Committee... I'm the pale one in the middle ;)

 

Though it was a small group, it was really nice to peek in on where these people had wound up. Yes, there were some battle wounds, and some rough patches for many. We lost a lot of classmates ... too many. But overall, there was this sense of contentment and brotherhood among us that didn't exist in high school... or even at the 10 year.  I felt super relaxed, and it was nice to not be stressed out about what people thought of me. Everyone was really appreciative and it seemed like they were having a good time.  Long gone were the catty, jealous, mean-spirited kids from high school. On the whole we were a much kinder, gentler group. I liked that.

I praise God that, though maybe not obvious to anyone there, He has brought me so far in these past 20 *gasp* years- I have such a peace about who I am in Christ, and such a joy in knowing who He created me to be, and such a great perspective about being able to love and be loved... something I didn't even have a clue about before. I loved the perspective that these *gasp* 20 years has brought, and though it still is startling to think it's been such a long time, I wouldn't go back a minute. Gotta love the peace that comes with 'old age' ;)

So, to sum up... It was time for a reunion. I got to work on the committee. It was mostly fun and partly disappointing. I found a pretty cute dress. The reunion came. It was completely fun and not at all disappointing. It was good for perspective. And then it was over.

---and then I went on vacation.... will blog about THAT next.

For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

James 3:16-18