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Class of 1975’s 50 Reunion, continued . . .
th
50th Houlton Maine high school reunion. Wow! What
a nostalgic trip. Half a century came and went too
quickly. Now we approach age 70. Together. Let’s break
on through to the other side. (How did you know I was
listening to Jim Morrison on an old 8 track tape from
Pangburn’s
Seriously. As the 50th class reunion came closer, we all
mentally prepared. Wondering who will be there, what
will I wear, do I look fat in white? Fussing over your hair
or lack of it. None of that matters at your 50th. Just I felt it loud and strong Friday night during happy
glad to see each other. Come as you are. Just show up hour when laughter explodes. From a corner of the
please. room witnessing so much noise and hundreds of
conversations happening all at once. Hugs, laughter,
Sharing our ups and downs of life so far. Flashing cell cheering, tears. Six hours nonstop and everyone
phone images of grandchildren. Remembering and hungry, thirsty for the reunion group experience.
sharing what others had forgotten about our high
school years. We are older, wiser, more grateful and High on a feeling. So much lost in translation to even
aware. Right? (Pause) Right? begin to try and describe what it was like that night.
What was happening inside then and now. Unless you
Returning to the intensity of life 5 decades ago for a were from the class of 1975 and witnessing the buzz.
reunion. Catching up, cramming it all into a couple The fizz of the reunion lingers.
weekend events or just one evening. Exchanging
emails, pledging to stay in touch, one last hug and I know all of you think about it, long for another
there, done? No. Not at all. Something way way bigger gathering. We need each other and just forgot how
is going on here. “Jane, JANE... “ (turning to Maurice) much and why. Who was the coolest kid in class? It
“I don’t think she knows her hatchback lift gate is up, wasn’t you or me, but it was all of us.
wide open” as she drives out Bird Street after the high
school facility tour. The reunion was a big logistical undertaking and
kudos to all that had a hand in engineering it. How do
you top that and so economical, flawlessly executed. A
class act for other reunion committees to follow.
Heck Maurice handing out drink tickets left and right
and offering attendance rebates made it seem like
each class member and spouse actually made money
on the event. Came out ahead, not just broke even.
Like Casino night down at the Elks Club or out to
Houlton Community Golf Course.
Feeling lucky to be in attendance this year? I’m glad
Steve Clark called in, was passed around the room
on the cell phone to visit. I hope you got a chance to
Looking at old photos – Peter & Nancy Graham Edwards exchange, and it sure made his day connecting with
his classmates. Before dying the next week. That wakes
you up.
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