I was disappointed that our reunion was coming to an end (which is kinda funny, because for many days I wished I'd hopped on the same early flight out as Scott H.) -- especially since it seemed like the drama was all behind us and the bond we were forming was stronger than ever. I think it took some really rough situations to get to that level of comfort, but the closeness that we formed was a direct result of all that we'd been through.  

 

Originally, I envisioned peace and harmony in Kauai: What was I thinking?! Many of the classmates that I've spoken to since the reunion said the biggest mistake they made was having a preconceived notion of what everything was going to be like. I made that mistake, too. There's no way you can predict what a once-in-a-lifetime experience like this is going to bring, especially since 20 different people are bringing 20 different sets of expectations. My own goals were to have a relaxing vacation in paradise and to reconnect with old friends. While the time in Kauai was far from relaxing at times, I never imagined leaving there with so many old friendships reestablished and intact. In the end, the pros of this experience by far outweigh the cons. 

 

Some of my best high school memories were the night before graduation, when the seniors spend the night on the football field, and of course, senior prom. The night on the football field was special because it was the last time that many of the people I considered dear friends would be together in the same place at the same time -- before we all went on to college, careers and families.  

 

The night on the field in Kauai was different; I was able to relive an old memory (and score a touchdown!), but I never felt it was the end of anything or a "goodbye." I savored how lucky we all were to be together at that place in our lives, but this time I knew that I would see many of these people again. You take things like friendship for granted when you're younger, but I won't make that mistake now. The people I got to know -- and love -- at this reunion will be my friends forever.  

 

Just like in high school, I asked a friend to prom. I went with great friends to my junior and senior proms, and this time I asked my close friend Renee. Renee was one of my first and best friends when I moved to Chandler and I'm glad I was able to share this experience with her 20 years later. The prom itself was one of the best times of the trip. I think it was a perfect way for us to celebrate our time together in Kauai and cut loose! When you get to be our age, the opportunities to go out dancing are few and far between, but we felt right at home with some of our favorite '80s music playing. 

 

As I reflect back on our time at his reunion, once again I am proud to be a member of the Chandler High School Class of 1988. I'm proud of what we accomplished on this trip and of who we are:
  • Liz and Jenny buried the hatchet, and found a new level of respect and friendship for one another.
  • Heather and Lynette were able to reconnect and put some bad feelings behind them.
  • Drew got the opportunity to confess his crush on Lynette, and while it might not have had a “happily ever after” feel to it, I think about how much he has grown and changed by being able to do this. In the end, he came to the realization that being himself was the best thing he could do to achieve happiness.
  • Tom and Kara had the opportunity to decide whether to give their relationship another chance.
  • Chad got to get back in touch with many of the friends he moved away from 20 years ago.
  • Shalonda got to experience some of the things she didn't take part in during high school. She also was a model of forgiveness and acceptance.
  • Dennis got to show all of us that there's another side to him that's so much more likable -- he's kind-hearted and has a great sense of humor.
  • We got to spend time with Manny and Octavia -- who were both a great part of our high school experience, even though they weren't from the class of '88. Octavia brought positive energy and enthusiasm to the reunion; Manny, with his infinite wisdom, was like a big brother to many of us.
  • Maricela and Liz both were able to fulfill a life-long dream of being a cheerleader, and Liz was even lucky enough to be voted Prom Queen!
  • Scott H. never was -- and never will be -- a loner.
 

I think one great thing about coming to your 20-year reunion is thinking you have life figured out way better than you did in high school. Many of us often ponder what it would be like to go back in time and doing things differently with the knowledge, wisdom and experience of a 37-year-old, rather than a 17-year-old who has so much yet to learn. For many people, high school experiences are some of the best memories they possess; others say they’re the worst.  

 

Why are some people better equipped or further along in the journey of "finding themselves" and realizing who they really are? Is it a stable and supportive home life, friends, faith, or the ability to overcome obstacles in spite of something missing in one (or all) of these support areas? However we get "there"-- to the point where we are comfortable with ourselves and who we are -- it's a great place to be. Some of us were already at this place, while others got further along life's journey by healing old wounds at the reunion.  

 

Personally, I achieved what I came to this reunion for. I'd lost track of Heather and Shalonda for the last 20 years, but now they're two of my closest friends again. I talk or text with them weekly, sometimes even daily. Scott H. is one of my best friends because of this experience, and I'm looking forward to visiting him in Montana this summer.  

 

 

 

Liz, my sophomore year party pal, was another person whom I never expected to see again, but am so thankful she's back in my life. I hope to see more Cardinal football games with her. Octavia, who I partied with as a senior, is practically my neighbor, so I fully intend to continue my new friendship with her. Tom, Kara and Renee were all people I kept in touch with before this reunion, but sharing this experience has made us even better friends.  

 

I don't take any of those friendships for granted. I talk to Lynette and Chad occasionally; Dennis, Manny and Jenny are all people I am proud to call friends. Drew and Scott W. are two people who I didn't know well before this experience, but am thankful this experience allowed me to make these new friends.
Message Edited by TVLTheLink on 04-10-2009 11:17 AM