Yvonne Marie Blaisdell (Mann)
OK - deep breath, you aren't in high school anymore and they will understand if you can't remember or recognize anyone. Well those were the words in my head last night as I nervously entered the 45th reunion event, and I am so glad I went! No, most people didn't know me, but as more than one person told me - "I don't remember you but I am going to give you a hug anyway!"
It was casual, full of laughing and sharing with so many pats on the back and so nice for once to NOT be the oldest person in the room (like at work or anywhere else!). It was so nice to hear all the things we have in common - retirement or almost, "empty" nesting (which turns out to be awesome), parenting/grandparenting (yes there were pictures), aches and pains (that was heard all night!), and body parts getting upgraded - as in repaired - not improved, and all the things we didn't have time to discuss. It was so lovely, so wonderful to get a chance to connect with folks who were there when cell phones (even microwaves) didn't exist, who were alive when Kennedy was shot and Vietnam and sit ins were not just in a history book. Folks who knew how to sit down and talk to you, looking in your eyes, not down at a device. People who could appreciate the latest "as seen on TV" device or rerun of an "old" movie.
I just wanted to say to all the folks, and their partners, who showed up and were so gracious as we checked you in (always asking your name and maybe asking you to repeat for all us old rock concert goers with bad hearing) - thank you for letting me know my "outside my comfort zone" experience was worth the anxiety!
For all of you who didn't get to make it - come on the next time - don't worry the water is fine. No, there is no emoji I can use to tell you these are truly friends from the past willing to share a piece of their life with folks in the present who have shared more than 4 years (yes we were the first freshmen at AHHS) in high school. We have shared a culture, a space in time and ups and downs all together. What we share now is the future we still help to shape in our familes, friends and values. Hats off to you Class of 73 - you did not disappoint. Hope to see you around town and in the not so distant future - or around TCU where I have been hanging out (called working) for the last 25 years! Thank you, thank you.
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