High School Reunion Blog

Check out the blogs by Joe and Cyndi: 

Life Doesn't Get Any Better Than This (Joe)

I couldn't wait to kiss Rachelle. And when I finally did, I almost jumped out of my skin! It was surreal for me. Here I was in this magical setting, with a breathtaking woman. Life just simply doesn’t get any better than this. When our date was over, I had a feeling Rachelle and I were just getting started.

Beautiful, Inside and Out (Cyndi)

I don't feel like I have any negative feelings toward the Summer Girls and I hope they don't have any toward me. I did judge them on their appearance when I first arrived, and I admit that was wrong. I don't want to be judged on appearance alone, so I didn't mean to do that to someone else.

I have to admit this experience was nothing like I thought it would be. It’s hard to describe but I guess this reunion would be like coming home to your crazy family who you haven’t seen in many years -- you may just get a few surprises that you were not anticipating. We don’t get to choose who they are and may not always like everything about them, but you never desert them. You’re there for them when they need you and you work through the difficult times. That’s what makes you a family and brings you closer together; that’s what happened to us, the Chandler High Class of ‘88. Like it or not, we all share an experience that has bonded us for the rest of our lives. 

As far as Jessica and Maricela’s issues go, I hope they both find peace and happiness in who they are and can learn and grow from anything they may have gone through. I am concerned that they may be hurting themselves and that is never OK. I was a bit disappointed in how we treated each other sometimes -- and that includes Jessica. Regardless of what she did it was not OK to make her feel bad, like she didn’t belong. I felt like she didn’t fit in back in high school and after 20 years, nothing had changed. That’s a shame.

I can relate to Jessica in some crazy way because we both share a life-altering, traumatic event. Both of our fathers committed suicide. Not many people know what that does to a person. I was fortunate that I had great friends and somehow found a sense of myself early on… but I struggled back then and occasionally struggle now. The effects never truly go away. If I wouldn’t have had my friends and their wonderful families, I don’t know what would have happened to me or where I would be today.   

I enjoyed having Maricela in the house and I think a lot of the other classmates did, too. She was easy-going, positive and a lot of fun! During the early part of the reunion, she was having the time of her life and it’s very unfortunate that it turned into something so bad for her. I wish her nothing but the best and know this experience will only make her stronger. I know she and Scott W. still talk on occasion and will probably remain great friends. Although I don’t agree with prostitution or really the adult industry as a whole, I don’t pass judgment or form an opinion as to the validity of the accusation. It’s not my place -- or anyone’s business for that matter.   

Prom was a blast. It was fun getting ready, getting in the limos and having our pictures taken. It felt just like 20 years ago -- except we were allowed to drink this time! I just wish I was a little more aware that the camera was around. Acting ridiculous can be fun but doesn’t look too cool on TV. Thank goodness they did not show me doing the “Running Man” in my dress and heels.

Taylor Dane was an amazing performer. She was better than I remembered and was a great surprise for us all. Liz gave a heart felt Prom Queen acceptance speech and it was good to see her have such a good experience and feel special for the night. We all need a little of that every now and again!

Since the reunion, I’ve had the opportunity to go out with Chad when he has come home to visit; had some great conversations with Scott W. over lunch; Kara and I see each other when we can and will always stay great friends; Tom and I are doing a new business together; Lynette reconnected with a wonderful man at our actual reunion and I had the pleasure of going on a dinner date with them; Tyrone and I have gotten together a couple times and played some poker (he finally beat me… good job, Tyrone, you know how much I hate to lose to you!).  While our lives are all so busy and some of us live further away than others, it is my hope we can always remain in each others’ lives and continue to be there for each other. It was nice going back in time for two weeks and reliving some of our old memories -- not many people get the chance to do that. We’ve all moved on but will never forget the chance we had to revisit the innocence of our youth and how much fun that can be.

This final episode was very sentimental to me. As hard as it was at times and as much as I wanted to go home to the people who love me and understand me, I was so sad when it was all over and time to go. Andrew summed it up best at the end. I wish somehow we could teach all our kids that all you really need to do is be yourself. I will always have a special place in my heart for my High School Reunion family!