Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending my 10 year class reunion. The JHS Giant class of 2002 came together for float decorating, the homecoming pep rally, parade, game, and an after party. What a complete blast from the past!
I have to admit: I was quite nervous about attending the reunion. In fact, up until about 6 months ago when I was asked to help plan it, I wasn't even going to go. I sort of felt like I already keep in touch with the people from my class that I want to keep in touch with. Although most of my classmates got along and no one had major problems with each other, we didn't always hang out together. As with any high school, there were your definite stereotypical groups. The athletes, the band kids, the tech nerds, the social group, and then the ones who just kinda bounced around from group to group. I was a band kid, but I did bounce around from group to group as well. In fact, I dated one of the (at the time) athletes... although he would definitely probably classify himself differently now. lol I also didn't hang around exclusively with my class -- being in band, I had close friends both older and younger than me. Some of my best friends graduated 1-3 years before me, and so I knew I wouldn't see them at the reunion.
Another hesitation I faced was, well, I don't look as good as I did back then. Life happens, and I've gained a little weight. I look a little (albeit not much) older, and that's always at the fore-front of a girl's mind when she's going to see people she hasn't seen in 10 years. And finally, I was nervous about going alone. As we have established in prior posts, my husband is working out of state. I knew that most of my classmates would be coupled up, and then there I would be... no husband in sight. And I won't lie, he's pretty cute, so I kinda wanted all my classmates to all meet him. ;)
Anyway, I decided to get over myself and go, and found out that a couple friends of mine from school would be attending without their other halves, so that made me feel a little better. I arrived to meet up at one of the girls' dad's house, and found quickly that things weren't as awkward as I thought they might be. Surprisingly, it seemed like everyone (everyone!) was genuinely glad to see each other. We had a wonderful turnout for the float decorating, pep rally, and parade. We almost didn't have room on the float, and though we had reserved 4 rows in the gym for seating, we took up 5 and a half!
After the parade, I went to lunch with an old friend, Bea, and then visited with another friend and her new husband. Later, we attended the game, and had a major blast from the past -- one of the guys showed up in his letterman jacket and drumline t-shirt! Too funny! I also learned at the game that when I was in high school, apparently a guy wrote me a love letter, and I sent it back to him marked up with proofreading marks in red. Oops. :( I had to apologize for that one!
The Giants unfortunately lost the game, and then Bea and I headed to the reunion party, which was a total blast. I was able to catch up with my "Twin from Another Men" (You know, like brother from another mother)... a guy with whom I share my birthday. I met his wife for the first time, and we all hung out for a good bit of the night, along with Dal, and a friend from another class, Jake. A couple from our class who married not long after high school was there.. Kylie and Will, and I really enjoyed catching up with them. All in all, it was a great time. Favorite memory: Steven challenging Dal to a foot race! Unfortunately, Dal didn't take him up on his offer. There was also some non-sexual- man-flirting and that was hysterical. Poor Brian..
What I learned was that for the most part, as adults, my class has grown to accept and tolerate others of all races, backgrounds, orientations, and life-situations. Dal, who was from literally the most racist part of town dated an African-American girl. Steve, who used to be one of the most intolerant guys in the world, gladly hung out with a couple of LGBT folks. The "wrong side of the tracks" kids visited with the "popular" crowd. The "jocks" hung out with the "nerds." And everyone found out they had a lot in common these days, regardless of the differences.
Unfortunately, a couple of girls proved that some things, and some people, never really progress and change, but they, and their cattiness, were in the minority. I'm proud of my class; I think we've turned out to be good people. It's too bad we only get together every 10 years. These are the folks I'm proud to have grown up with, and the kind of people I like to be surrounded with. They (We) are the class of '02.
