At the registration table is a sign, “Please leave the “politics” at the door.” The 40th high-school reunion has begun.
And, 25-feet down the hall and up three steps is a table with candles and 18 small graduation photos. On the table is a miniature empty chair for the 18 classmates who have passed.
In 1973, the Class of 1977 entered high school and Bruce Springsteen released “Growin’ Up.” Known collectively as the 77ers, the stories they tell:
I swear I lost everything I ever loved or feared,
The widow and 77er of one of the 18 also lost a son. She shows a recent picture from her grandfather’s 100 birthday (he still drives). When she smiles, sunshine radiates from her face.
A 77er married another after the last reunion. She is one of the 18 and he reflects “I am so grateful for our short time together.”
A 77er has become blind – What is he up to? “Making a Neil Young acoustic album and performing.”
I was the cosmic kid in full costume dress
A 77er contemplates purchasing an electric mountain bike, “I will climb hills I cannot climb now!”
I was open to pain and crossed by the rain
A 77er lives with and cares for her mother. “We have a new puppy – a Jack Russel and Boston Terrier mix – so he is active. My mother needs the company - she is alone all day.”
Well, my feet they finally took root in the earth,
A 77er reflects, “We are a nerdy class.” When challenged, she adds, “We won the homecoming float contest all 4 years. C’mon”
True. No professional athletes, no business titans, no celebrities. We are all anonymous, but we are not. We are all normal, but we are not.
but I got me a nice little place in the stars
This night, we are sharing joy, providing solace, and giving hugs. No “politics.”
In November 1976, 7 months before graduation, Jackson Browne released “The Pretender:”
I've been aware of the time going by They say in the end it's the wink of an eye And when the morning light comes streaming in You'll get up and do it again Amen
How about you? What about your class or family reunion? Share a story!
