“Then the busy years went rushing by us, we lost our starry notions on the way. If by chance I’d see you in the tavern, we’d smile at one another and we’d say.…those were the days my friend, we thought they’d never end. We’d sing and dance forever and a day. For we were young and sure to have our way. We’d live the life we choose, we’d fight and never lose. Oh yes, those were the days.” Nothing can slap you in the face to remind oneself of how the years have quickly gone by (other than a mirror maybe?) more than an email informing you of an upcoming high school reunion. Especially when it’s a 40th high school reunion, which I did just receive this past week. Can it really have been 40 years since I last carelessly roamed the hallways of my high school? Not thinking of my own future at the time, unless the future was what my plans were that night?, and would I be trying to impress my hapless date that evening by playing the latest Van Halen cassette or stick with the tried and true Boston one? (btw, neither one worked to my advantage I’m sure). Has it really been 40 years that have gone by in what seems like a flash? What happened to all my dreams? To all my goals that I may once have had? Hell, more importantly, what happened to all my hair?
Truthfully, over these past 40 years I know that I’ve been very lucky really. I’ve been beyond blessed with two beautiful, college-educated daughters (and more importantly, two daughters who are very happy with their own lives). A new grandson that is healthy and seems happy in his own little world. A career that I somehow lucked into many years ago. With all the benefits, flexibility, connections, and an income that I really don’t deserve. And I have also been blessed with lifetime friends, along with several past loves of mine as well. All of whom I am extremely grateful for coming into my life at whatever stage it was in my past, and whom I still wish nothing but the very best for. I also realize not everyone from my graduating class of 40 years ago have had that same good fortune as myself. Some have passed on to whatever it is that lies beyond our last breath on this earth. Some I’m sure have made tremendous mistakes which have paid a huge price on their own dreams and ambitions. And some quite frankly, have seemingly just disappeared. Hopefully wherever they may be today, that they have each found bliss and happiness in their lives too. And even though much of my high school memories aren’t joyful (being one of the shortest kids back then did seem to attract the bullies as is often the case), I still retain a lot of fondness for all of my former classmates. Okay, fine, for most of them anyways.
So I am now looking forward to catching up with many of my old friends, some faces I’m sure that I haven’t gazed upon in years. And it will be interesting to see if the former love of my life will be there (since she too graduated with all of us 40 years ago). If I had to guess, she won’t be. But I hope she does go, along with her new love. Hey, what can I say?, I’m a man who lets things like past hurt and small trivial matters like that go. Sure, it might take awhile, but it’s past me now – thank god! Unfortunately it appears I won’t be lucky enough to have a plus one to take with me that evening however. But I hope no one takes pity on me because of that, or thinks that’s because I’m still in some type of mild depression, or that I’m damaged goods? Because I’m not. I’m actually very happy with where I am in life right now. I’ve had a busy social life in the past 16+ months as I’ve mentioned before in this blog of mine. It’s just a matter of timing is why I’ll be going stag to this specific reunion. But regardless if I’m alone or with a beautiful date on my arm, I’m going to enjoy myself, have a drink or two (or eight?), share some laughs, and reminisce with my former classmates. And of course toast to those days of yesterday that we thought would never end. When we would sing and dance forever and a day. Back when we were young and sure to have our way. Oh yes, those were the days.