30-Year Class Reunion

 

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2011

30-Year Class Reunion

Seriously? I am not this old, am I? The years have just flown by, and I still feel young. However, I would never want to return to those High School years and do it again. I was a good girl; if I knew then what I know now, I might have done a few things differently....like study harder, take advice from adults I admired,  and be more kind and compassionate.   I was offered alcoholic drinks at the reunion several times, but when I refused, one guy said, "You still don't drink?" I said proudly, "Never have and never will." I have never been tempted by alcohol or drugs. My birth father was both addicted to alcohol and drugs, and he regretted it. There is a history of drug and alcohol abuse on that side of the family. I did not want that to be the legacy I leave for my children and grandchildren.

I don't feel uncomfortable when we go out to dinner with friends who order a glass of wine, but neither have I been tempted nor offended when they do. I remember in High School, the kids who "partied" would ask me to come and quickly tell me they would provide "sprite or 7-Up" I never went to any of those parties; I always hung with the kids who had the same standards as me and believe it or not, we had just as much fun or more fun than those who "partied"  It was interesting to see the changes in people's lives as I mingled with my classmates, some made no changes at all. Still, the same hairstyle, same personalities, same clothes, but we all had one thing in common- everyone I talked to was grateful for family and experiences that brought them to the place they are now. This night reassured me of who I am, where I've been, and where I want to be in another 30 years.