Reunions

         I recently attended two high school class reunions. The first was my own 50-year reunion, and the event left me with gratefulness and appreciation for knowing such a loving and caring community of people. The second was a brief visit to our son’s 20-year reunion, and I saw the beginnings of the same loving and caring among adults.
         The relationships that develop sometimes transcend childhood friendships, yet they are rooted in shared youthful experiences, in successes and defeats that will forever connect the classmates.
         Most people from small towns come away from their class reunion with a sense of satisfaction and joy in the time spent together. They talk about “fun,” but a reunion is beyond fun. It is acceptance, love, mutual respect, and comfort in the company of those who were childhood friends, and who now, with their spouses and partners, deepen those friendships. The sense of security and serenity of a class reunion is a lifelong richness unique only to those fortunate enough to have attended a small school.