It is hard to believe that forty years has passed since I graduated from high school -- actually it is forty one years and a few months. I still feel as if I am seventeen and the world is just opening up opportunities for me. I am still waiting to find my calling and define myself. And in all these forty one years, I have loved the journey and enjoyed my small successes. Although I am still learning, looking, and loving, it is a trip that makes the days so challenging and my life so fulfilled.
I have just returned from a reunion of my high school graduating class-- hence the recollection of forty one years ago. It was held in Ashville, North Carolina and we stayed at the Grove Park Inn. I actually love the city and have enjoyed the hospitality of the Grove Park in past days. It is lovely and this weekend captured the beauty of fall in North Carolina. As a backdrop, this offered a serenity that seemed to pervade this gathering of old friends.
When I arrived, I had a bit of nervousness. Would I recognize the people? Would I be recognized? The "what should I wear" questions had been answered but the "how will I feel" still remained a mystery. But as I walked into the room where the reception was held, I decided to let myself just experience the moment. I put at bay any anxiety or shyness and let my heart guide me. It was the right thing to do.
The first person I saw was Carol, the girl that I had reconnected with during the course of this summer. She was as pretty as I remembered her and smiled just as she had in our senior class cheerleading picture. I discovered that noone had really changed when you looked at their eyes and saw their smiles. The faces had grown more "distinguished" and our bodies saw the ravages of past follies but our "souls" as seen in our eyes and felt in our smiles remained the same. After that first sighting, the evening became a series of hugs, laughs, remember whens, and can you believes!
The weekend was a wonderful exchange of laughter and light. I walked away from the experience with a great sense of happiness -- that I had gone. That I had talked to my friends and reconnected in such a positive way. That I had renewed a commitment to "stay in touch" and that I had expanded my circle of aquaintances in such a way. I grew from this weekend and can bring that growth to my day to day.
The blessings that I received were so much greater than I had anticipated and I know that they will continue to serve me as the journey continues. Life is good!
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