REUNION ‘2023

•Someone once sarcastically observed: “There are 2 kinds of people in the world: those who divide the world into two kinds of people, and those who don’t. I don’t.” In our presently polarized society, we see it all over: M/F, Conservative/Liberal, Employed/Unemployed, Married/Single, Young/Old, Democrat/Republican, Straight/Gays, Religious/non-religious).

•Although the two-group distinction isn’t always helpful, there is one instance which points to one of the most profound differences of all: those of us who are with us, and those of us who aren’t. I’m not referring just to those who made it here tonight to our reunion dinner and some who couldn’t; but to those who still enjoy life itself as opposed to many who do not.

•The past 50 years has seasoned us, made us more tolerant, wiser, probably less inclined to think poorly about others; But for a few of our number, a part of these five decades was all they had. Tonight we remember the number of those no longer with us...not to morbidly ponder how they left us: but for two better reasons:

1)--First, it’s good to consider how they enriched our lives...they were friends to some of us, someone’s sons and daughters...we laughed, had fun, joked around, played sports with, and confided in some of them; and for many of us, their absence leaves an empty place—even this night. We miss them.

2)--Secondly: as we all approach the 70 year milestone, their absence awakens us; it reminds and nudges us not to take this life for granted. The truth is, we have all entered the third-third of our lives. Instead of ignoring the truth, we ought to stare at it and cherish what we have.

•Think of it this way: at first there was only 1 group: all of us were full of life. I remember when the first one of our number died, and the second group began, I was shocked. And the cycle of human life continued. Over the decades, the second group grew—of those living, and of those no longer, we are still in the majority. But not forever. Toll of life will continue, and second group will grow....until there is only one again, a single group...and none of us are left here. (Pleasant thought!?) But it should make us more thoughtful, more deliberate of our choices, more aware of blessings, more concerned about others; and more inquisitive about the treasure of the stories, sitting right next to us. Time is the currency of life—and this weekend we get to spend some of it together.

So let’s not put things off. The Bible encourages us: “Don’t withhold good from those who deserve it when it is in your power to act” [Prov. 3:27]. Tell others you care; let them know you’re thankful for them; listen to their stories while we can. Enjoy one another. Let’s not take anything or anyone for granted.

Steve Walker, Senior Class President