I was not very involved in school functions at La Habra High and was happy to leave campus as soon as the 3 o'clock bell rang. In the 50 years since we graduated I've learned some things that make going to our 50th reunion an important thing to do. Here's what I've learned:
1. Old friendships are golden. As I've reconnected people I knew 50 and more years ago I feel I've found something valuable - old friends.
2. People are precious. There aren't that many people around who experienced the same things we did back in the 50's and early 60's. Those who shared those experinces are precious.
3. Life is short. High school graduation seemed like just a few years ago. But we're not young any more. Dozens from our class have already passed on.
4. The high school you is not the real you. That was the pre-you. You're still a work in progress.
5. To your classmates you'll always look like you did 50 years ago. I still refer to the female members of our class as girls, even though they're 67 or 68.
6. By now, we are done showing off. You know longer have anything to prove. I could afford a new car but I'll arrive in my 2005 Camry becuase it's a good car and I like it.
7. Peer pressure is gone now. you can be yourself. I like you because you've survived, not because you're 'cool.'
8. It's never too late to repair a relationship, ask forgiveness, or to thank someone. A Few months ago I reconnected with someone I was mean to in 6th grade and asked that person's forgiveness. It felt good to do so.
So, these are the reasons I think a 50 year high school reunion is important and why I am looking forward to being there.
Excellent 'bucket list' of reasons. I'm particularly taken with #4. Since I only attended LHHS the Junior & Senior years, I hadn't built up the friendships from childhood such as many other classmates had. But those two years still gave me a balanced blend of pleasant and challenging memories. I'll be at the school tour on Saturday. See you there.