A question about high school reunions..

[JetMaxx]

I have a confession to make...I didn't graduate high school in a school setting. After mom died, I never went back to Douglas County High School...I had no heart to return to public school. My church pastor recommended a wonderful correspondence high school in Florida, and I signed up...obtained my diploma in July 1978 (at age 16). I then immediately went to work fulltime, trying to forget the pain and grief of mom's death.

My correspondence high school diploma is legit...was good enough for Douglas General hospital, Pinkerton and Wackenhut Security, and EDS (no one has ever questioned it...in 25 years).

Here's my quandry. In 2000, I was asked several times by a friend from high school to attend the DCHS 20th reunion (I would have been class of 80'). I turned him down, afraid some would be offended since I didn't graduate. Yesterday Mrs Bryson said considering the circumstances..my mothers sudden death, no one would say a word (I was shocked to learn she didn't even know mom was dead...apparently Becky wasn't her student in 6th grade, and didn't tell her in 7th or 8th grade).

I know Stewart Middle School sent flowers to mom's funeral as did the DC Board of Education, and many of mine and Becky's teachers...but I honestly can't remember if Jill did or not (everything about mom's death and funeral is a foggy haze to me).

What is your opinion...should I go to my classes 25th reunion in 2005?
What would you think...if you were a graduating member of the class of 80'? (I'd sure love to see many of my friends again, some I haven't seen since 1977).

Thanks in Advance,
Perry

[azskyman]

Over the years, especially after 25, most of the cliques have lost their appeal, and those who attend reunions go to see the people they have not seen in many years.

In my opinion, Perry, I think it would be both appropriate and nice for you to attend, provided you get an invitation.

And let me add...your writing skills and maturity of thought and deed tell us you are a sensitive and compassionate guy who would really enjoy seeing the old friends.

[mf_dolphin]

By all means go to the reunion. You were still part of the class!

[Miss Mary]

Perry, IMHO, I think you should go too. What do you have to lose? And yes the HS cliques for the most part are not present at reunions. Of course I went to an all girl's HS so our reunions are different. Sure, we still have the really smart girls or very popular girls all sitting together but since I was always "just in the middle somewhere", as I used to put it, I had former and still current friends to talk to. I also remember girls who didn't give me 2 seconds of their time, talking to me for minutes, hours! Last time we had a girl come all the way down from Indy, where she's living now. She was the life of the reunion - dancing with us, telling us all sorts of funny tales about her kids. She'd get up to use the bathroom or get another drink, and we'd all be shaking our heads - wow, Sheila never talked to us in HS. And I even went to grade school with her too! She carried herself very differently in HS - like okay girls, you're beneath me. Never caused us trouble but then again, we knew enough not to say hi either. And then for her to be our new best friend at the last reunion......well, I guess you had to be there. And this was sincere - not phony. I did hug her when I left - I had to - like where were you in HS Sheila - we didn't even know you back then.

So see, just one example to show you. Reunions can be tense - you see it when someone new walk in the room. Like oh no, do I know anyone, will they recognize me, etc. After 5 minutes, mark my words, you'll be having fun Perry!

[JetMaxx]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone..

I'll enjoy it....I was always well liked, and have never had a problem making friends...I enjoy making others feel welcome.

I've decided to attend the high school graduation at DCHS on Saturday evening. It's difficult to believe, but I've never been to one at DCHS (Becky attended Lithia Springs HS her junior and senior years).

Maybe I'll be fortunate and meet a couple friends from high school. I know one friend of mine has a son graduating...we met in Kroger a few days ago, and he was so proud. I don't blame him...I'm proud of his son too

Thanks and God Bless,
Perry

[ColdFront77]

I had no way of getting to my high school reunion, as far as I know they didn't have one anyway. It would of obviously been in Massachusetts and I am here in Florida.

I would be interested in one sense, but most likely would not be comfortable going to it.

I would love to correspond with those I graduated from high school online I have only done so with a couple former classmates of mine since I had daily internet access starting Monday, March 1, 1999.

I would like to be a "Classmates.com Gold Member," but that hasn't happened yet. I don't have a credit card and/or checks and probably never will.

[azskyman]

Good for you, Perry. I think you will enjoy it and wish it was longer. That's how I always felt when I got together with my weather friends between 1984-1993. It took a day to get loosened up and relax, then a day to start conversations, and finally, just when everyone was about to pack up and go home...we had plenty to talk about. I'm sure it would be the same if Storm2K ever had a reunion!

Enjoy it Perry...

Warn you of one thing though; seems like every time I've gone to a HS reunion I have to walk into a room of old people.