It was going to be an exciting day tomorrow. The big reunion of all the classes who graduated in the 50s would be coming together--over 300 nervous souls (at least that is how I felt). I had vacillated for weeks as to whether I wanted to come and have people not recognize me. Then I thought a majority of us would be in the same boat. Yes, I will. No. I won't. This kept up until the week before. It was then that I realized at 75 years old you were pretty much what you would look like until that "big trip." I said, "what the heck? I'm going!
The preparation for this trip began weeks, even months before. I used special moisturizers and creams on my face and skin. A few persons noticed the difference.....it must be working. What to wear? I bought one outfit..it was okay but I found another I liked better. I made the mistake of going to one of my favorite stores a few days before the reunion.. another outfit. I wondered if the men were obsessing over their wardrobes. I doubt it.
The day of departure arrived and we were on our way. I wasn't all that upbeat about this reunion when I began to think about who might be there.....two old boy friends and one ex husband. The boyfriends I could handle but I wasn't sure about the former husband. The day before we left I received a phone call from one of the men on the reunion committee asking if I would like to attend a breakfast on the morning of the reunion. I was pleased to be asked and said,yes, I would be happy to attend. Ah, another outfit but I had brought the three new ones.
Saturday morning came and I was up early, nervously getting ready to go to Shoney's just across the street from the hotel. As I entered the restaurant, I looked around but didn't see anyone I knew. The hostess pointed me to the back room. At first glance I did see the person who had asked me and then the faces started to come into view and they looked familiar but where were the names? I was drawing a blank. Then I saw the blank looks on their faces and I knew I should introduce myself. I did to the man on the committee.... a smile crossed his face and then came the hug. Another man stood up, a special friend, he reached out and shook my hand and introduced himself. Tears stung my eyes . I had changed more than I realized. Finally when everyone was certain of their classmates identity we had a great time playing catch up.
I went to the hall where the reunion was being held about two hours early to set up my books for a signing. My table was placed so I had a good view of the door.. I was tied to the book display and I had lots of time to people watch. For an author, that is a profitable pass time. It wasn't long before old friends began to talk of memories and past reunions. Others came along and bought books, enough that I was able to give a nice amount to the scholarship fund. All in all it turned out to be a wonderful reunion and I left with this thought--so many of my classmates had passed away and we all had changed in looks on the outside but we were still that special generation on the inside. All of us wished that those who had left this world could have stayed a little longer. Reunions are bittersweet when you have grown old.
