I read an article about a 25th reunion in the newspaper the other day. The sarcastic comment made about reunions was that "The only people who ever go to reunions are those that are either rich or skinny." Thankfully, that wasn't true about ours, and I hope that it wasn't a factor for those who didn't come!! Those who attended of the class of '82 came just as they are. It was GREAT!
The reunion was an amazing experience. The location was totally un-related to our collective experience so the only focal point was people -- our classmates and their significant others. Some of us were there on our own without the people who now define much of who we are. It was wonderful to meet the families of those who could bring them. Would you believe that 5 of our classmatese have families of 4 kids (Larry, Glenn, Paul, Debbie and Mark!!). I was impressed by the incredible job people have done with parenting. It was a PLEASURE to have all the kids around, and it was also a pleasure to see our classmates in the role of parents! It seemed like it was just yesterday that it was us out there running through rice paddies and discovering snakes... and now, in Colorado, the "grown-ups kids" were giving warnings to their kids about staying away from the snakes.
The weekend was characterized most by intense conversation, laughter and favorite chinese snacks. One of my favourite points of the weekend was the arriving moments - seeing people for the first time in 20 years and recognizing their kids before you recognize them.
First impressions seemed to be either: "You haven't changed at all " or ..."Have you ever changed!" Meeting each other was like picking up a mirror and seeing yourself for the first time in 20 years. What a reality check!! Suffice to say we had all aged... and it suited us well - like a good wine. What was most impressive was the stories that unfolded within the years that had aged us. It was obvious that all of us have had difficult parts in the journey, and yet the joy of living and laughter was still close to the surface. (May at least our spirits stay forever fresh and younger!!)
Two full days was definitely too short to catch up on all the experiences of 17 of us, let alone meeting the families... But if it had been any longer we all would have been so sleep -- depraved we would have been a danger to others. It was delightful to "unearth" memories that had been forgotten like: what really happened with the car on the roof of the admin building? Who really did get caught skinny dipping in the pool? Who were the favorite teachers and why? Let's sing the songs of Morrison... (and you should have seen the faces of the kin-folk when they heard us all break into 4 part harmony on what must have sounded like collective jibberish of the Bong Chi (train) song...)...
In true Morrison banquet style, we had a delightful meal at a local restaurant that featured a Taiwanese cook. The appetizer tray even included Lu Dan! The special music was provided by Mark Skiles who sang to his wife in celebration of their anniversary. And somehow my birthday congrats crashed their spotlight and we ended up sharing the cake! Special guests included Bill Dennis' parents (who live in Colorado Springs) and a Norwegian (?) couple who used to work in Ping Tung. (He is a doctor and I am sorry that I forget his name).
As I look at the pictures of the reunion, I am so grateful for the specific memories I hold of conversations wiht each person...conversations that felt like they had only begun. I came away wishing that somehow we all lived in the same community again as our "aged" selves - without our teenage angst, inhibitions and hang-ups. Maybe that's why we decided to try this reunion thing again soon than later -- in 5 years! Hopefully more will come.
- Susan Vandenberg Reynar -
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