50th High School Graduation Reunion
“In The Books!”
By Stephen Doherty
September 22, 2024
“Growing apart doesn’t change the fact that for a long time we grew side by side; our roots will always be tangled. I’m glad for that.” — Ally Condie
As I sit down to reflect on our recent 50th high school reunion, I find myself awash in a sea of nostalgia, warmth, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Fifty years may seem like an eternity, but seeing familiar faces and rekindling old friendships reminded me just how quickly time passes. Surprisingly, my expectations for this event were dramatically exceeded! Here are some thoughts and observations from this milestone event.
Walking into the reunion, I was struck by how much we’ve all changed—physically, emotionally, and in our outlook on life. Many of us have embarked on diverse paths, pursuing careers, raising families, and chasing dreams. It was inspiring to see the resilience and growth in everyone’s stories, as we shared not only our triumphs but also our challenges. Life may not have unfolded as we expected, but we’ve all adapted, learned, and flourished in our own unique ways.
Perhaps the most poignant moments of the reunion came from the deep conversations we shared. Laughter echoed through the various reunion venues as we reminisced, but there were also moments of vulnerability—sharing losses, joys, and everything in between. It became clear that these connections, though sometimes dormant, have a way of reigniting with a single conversation. Many of us left feeling rejuvenated, not just by the memories, but by the realization that these bonds still matter.
The most sobering moment of this celebration came when the inevitable memorial to classmates no longer with us was presented. Tastefully crafted around beautiful music and a touching photo montage – an interesting array of emotions swept over me. Pain and sorrow, certainly – over classmates gone too soon. A sense of relief that I had somehow “made it” to this gathering at a time when the rate of mortality for fellow classmates seemed to be picking up speed. A festive spirit born of the happiness I felt seeing old friends from a half-century ago who had ventured off into so many different directions – personally, professionally, socially, now together again for one last remembrance of who we were and what we’d become.
As we parted ways, I couldn’t help but think about the future. While we’ve gathered to celebrate our past, there’s an undeniable energy about the road ahead. Many expressed a desire to stay connected, whether through social media, future gatherings, or small meetups. The sense of community we experienced at the reunion sparked a renewed commitment to nurturing these relationships.
Our 50th reunion was more than just a celebration of time passed; it was a heartfelt acknowledgment of our shared journey and the paths we’ve forged. The joy, laughter, and sometimes bittersweet reflections reminded us that while time changes us, it also brings us back to what truly matters: connection, growth, and the enduring impact of shared experiences. As we move forward, let’s carry the spirit of this reunion with us—a reminder to cherish old friends, celebrate our journeys, and continue building connections that enrich our lives. Here’s to the next chapter, and to the many more terrific memories to come – our respective journeys are FAR from over!
“Happiness is being with an old friend after a long time,
and feeling like nothing has changed.”
