It was a great reunion. I know I've said this before, but I love the idea of getting to see where people are today is wonderful.
Childhood hobbies have become careers.
So many people look just like they did when we were kids and now their children carry on their looks, habits, and hobbies.
Some people are radically different and some people never seem to change.
It's a wonder to see.
Thanks to all who came and those who were there in spirit. Your presence is always welcome and I think it's nice that we "check in" to see how each other are doing whether it's deep sincere caring or a passing curiosity.
I feel lucky that I was personally able to connect with so many of you this year. My dork-love for history was totally satisfied. We are such a dynamic group. We started together with a few square miles of Faribault County. Today we're in all different kinds of careers, various states of parenthood and in different conditions marital bliss.
I get sappy about things like reunions. I hope some of you were able to enjoy the spirit of the thing and take joy in each other.
For those of you who avoid the reunions to avoid personality conflicts, I'm sorry if conflict is keeping you away but you are totally right. Old lessons are hard learned I hate the idea of dreading an event that puts me in a small space with people I didn't like then and I probably don't like now. (I had some worries about that too.) The idea of anyone group standing in a corner whispering, giggling and/or glaring at me is awful. Even the kind of rude that means a person doesn't even say hello sucks. There is an expectation of basic respect that some people can't manage.
I haven't lived in Faribault County since days after graduation and my relationship with you as classmates stopped. Over time, I've gotten reacquainted with some of you as adults but I'm not friends with any of you. To me, the rest of you are just a bunch of folk I knew 20 years ago. I think I know what to expect, but there is so much new to learn.
I took your current relationships with each other for granted. Those of you who see each other and are good friends don't need a reunion. Those who see each other and dislike each other happily stay away. I don't know what would motivate you folks to come to a reunion to see everyone else. I just wish you had come and you could have had a good time doing it - break out of your cliques and be interested without an agenda. Maybe next time?

Some of us did have a pretty good time.
I loved to hang out for hours say "Remember when..?" and "What ever happened to...?" was great. We talked families and jobs and teachers and after school activities. I heard some great stories and learned about things that happened then that were completely off my radar. It was very cool.

It wasn't all sunshine for me. As a student-of-the-reunion, I learned more about something horrible that happened to me in school. As the coordinator, there were problems with the printing, the building, the caterer, not feeling well and having to bounce people I know. I've just about processed hurt. After the reunion, I personally addressed the people who made my job as coordinator difficult. I've just about shut down the cyberstalker.

I mention this so you understand that even though parts of this were shit for me, the good stuff I hoped for happened. It all paid off. Even the stuff that sucked won't happen again for at least 5 years.

All of this Reunion and Homecoming stuff is old-fashioned and maybe seems strange in a time with all of this technology around. Reunions have a purpose. If you're of the "reunion spirit," please stay in touch to know about the next reunion.

Thanks to all who helped. - Jen Fairchild