I can't believe I am old enough to attend a twenty year high school reunion. The thing is, I really enjoyed it. There weren't as many Warriors there as there were at our 10 year but those who came were the "core" of so many things.
I think it's funny in a way that we celebrate our high school years. Yes, I was super skinny, had great hair and could rock a bikini like no one else, but I was also so insecure, scared, scattered and worried. It's the time in our lives when there is so much potential hanging by a thread. I remember being crushed because I wasn't asked to my Sr. prom. That night was so miserable--I can still remember it. But, since then, I've had a good laugh about it. One friend said, "Really? You--miss popular--sat at home?" Yep I did. But, that's high school. Sometimes the people you put on pedestals rise up and sometimes they crash to the floor.
There are those awkward moments at a reunion of introducing your husband to the first boy you ever made out with..or the one you would have payed to kiss... or the girl who you would have done anything for just be part of her group--only to feel her equal now. And, my favorite, the moments of pure terror when you think--"Oh hell, was I the "mean girl" to her?" Sad to say, I'm sure I was the mean girl at times. But twenty years have past and I've grown up. I've made new friends, I married well and I'm happy. As I told one friend, "I am asking for forgiveness now for the brat I was back then."
Somehow all the feelings of insecurity go away after two decades.
I was expecting to feel a little like I did in high school when I walked in, but I didn't. Mostly because of the amazing people we've all become. We've moved passed the labels and insecurities of our youth and walked into the reality of being adults...and it's a good place to be.
So to all the girls who knew me back when--and still like me. To all the boys I dated, kissed and fell into "like" with. And to the new friend I stole glaces with across the lunch room because we just didn't have time to talk....thanks. Yes, thank you..because of the people you were, and the adults you've become, I am who I am today. High school is a lot like the refiners fire..you come out better on the other end..
So here's to 20 years and to the next 10.
I hope they treat you well Warriors.
1 comments:
Hmm I learned some new things about you. I did not know that you missed our Senior Prom. It wasn't that great. I didn't get asked to any of the Homecoming dances. You never showed you were insecure or scared. I always admired you and still do. Thank for being such a great friend.
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