All Class Reunion
Last Saturday, our 7th annual all class reunion was held in the local park in the city where we grew up. The weather the week before was delightful, beachy and pleasant. The weather this week...the same. So why did our reunion have to be over 100 degrees in the shade? Whew...it was hot!
The night before, Ted and I enjoyed a quick get away time while waiting for my one of my best friend's plane to come in from Boston. We left a little early from the stifling inland and headed towards the Coast, Long Beach to be specific. I was expecting a great crowd of people and to our surprise, we parked in Sea Port Village, walked over to a nice, quaint little grill and got a table overlooking the harbor while sharing a meal. Ted was already making plans to come down again as soon as possible. We (Ted and I) get so caught up sometimes in the day to day routines. I really think this is good therapy for us to be more spontaneous despite our lack of funds. Sometimes a "break" is only a few miles down to the beach or up a hill over-looking a valley. That is one reason I love California, we have a lot to offer very close by and it can be refreshing.
Our view from our table.
Well, back to the Class Reunion. It was a marvelous turnout despite the heat; the air filled with "oldies and rock and roll." (I am talking about music here). Name tags and crazy stories, tons of laughter and inspiration, group photos and surprises captured the spirit of the day. The most familiar quote? "Wow, you haven't changed at all!" After thinking on that one for awhile, speaking for myself, I have changed. Physically for sure, but I am more than anxious to share that my life continues to be transformed. Some change is very hard, while other change I embrace. My friends these last few years of my life have meant more to me than at any other time and I forsee that this special gift God gives us in our later years, the transparency and the deepness of friendships serve to enrich each other's lives. This bond will carry us through the next 10 to 20 years.
BFF'S
Left of me is Annie Kay, as she now wants to be called. We didn't know each other that well in High School, but she has a great way of reconnecting and establishing a friendship on-line. We have shared many things. Annie, you are still so beautiful and young! Thank you for all your support these last few years, my newest BFF.
To the right of me is Lynn. I think I would need a whole new blog to post what she means to me. We became tennis partners in PE at 14 years young our freshman year and our friendship has never taken a break since. We stood up in each others weddings, and served together in YFC. We held each other's newborns, and comforted each other at our parent's funerals. We have gone crazy at concerts and had one too many beers at Dodger games. We have laughed until we have cried and cried together until we have laughed. The Lord has been our Solid Rock throughout our individual walks. I recently came across this picture of us taken in 1979...a few years after graduation. Check out my perm! Thank you my forever and Eternal BFF!
Below me is Joyce. If you look up positive attitude in the dictionary, you will see Joyce's picture. Joyce is full of wisdom and understanding, she is passionate and perserveres. Her MS has not sidelined her personality or dignity and she continues to reach out to others. Joyce has a great sence of humor which is one thing I love most about her. She is very down to earth. We used to "double date" a lot back in those days and I talked to her a lot about "boys." (Will we ever understand them?) Thanks my smart, big-hearted BFF!
Last but not least for sure is my BFF, Diane. Diane and I share the love of art; creative souls bound by a special understanding. We both went to college at CSU Fullerton, majoring in fine arts. Those were the days of gas lines so we car-pooled to school. A very special friendship formed in those college years. Diane is a gifted artist and a great communicator. She gives fully of her gifts and her heart is in everything she does. She has bounds and bounds of energy and I wish we could all bottle it sometime and keep it in our pantry. Diane as an artist, appreciates beauty and the beauty within us all. She encourages me always and I adore her. She has recently moved back to Boston, (after being there earlier in life as her husband finished his schooling at Harvard), but I feel our relationship is as close as it has ever been. I cannot wait until Ted and I can go visit the East Coast. I wouldn't want any other tour guide; no detail will be left out. Thank you Diane, my BFF for all your words...every one of them, for they make me smile!
One day, an even better reunion will take place in the Heavenly realms where God plans out our blessings. I know for sure, the weather will be perfect, our spiritual bodies will be pain free and jumping for joy, the music will be glorious and the conversations?...Well, I just might finally understand boys...
1 Corinthians 13:12 (New International Version)
12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
Brent, my neighbor as well as school mate, another special connection. Thank you again for always letting me tag along. Rick, thank you for sharing and reflecting the Lord's Grace and forgiveness. Candace, your story is one all should hear and learn from, for your ability way outshines your disability. I love you all.
Have you had any great reunions this summer?
Great Post Coleene! I loved looking at the old pics! Your perm was awesome! You all look like you had a great reunion time!
ReplyDeleteDiane Hauser Jones