Reunion

Quite some time ago, I went to my 20th high school reunion. I had been to my 10th and loved it. I had a great time in high school, lots of friends and great memories. And 10 years later everyone was still in their 20s, young and in shape and relatively unscarred by adult life.

I didn't bring my (then) wife to that 10th reunion. That decision was a source of mucho friction, but I felt that she wouldn't have a good time, old friends catching up and reminiscing about things she was no part of, but that's for another post.

When my 20th came along I looked forward to it. So I drove out to Long Island one night to see everyone yet again. I walked into the restaurant, looked around, and walked back out. Everyone had gained weight, lost hair, lost loves. I wanted to keep them back there. Back in my memories where everyone was beautiful and young and unfettered by life.

So when my 30th reunion was announced, I begged off.

But a friend called me to say that a bunch of the old crew were going to meet the night before the reunion for drinks. I thought that sounded like fun, so I said I'd show. I had the name of the bar on Long Island where everyone was meeting and took a train out.

I found the bar, took a look inside and went back to the train station to go home.

I don't have a problem hanging out with people my age. It's just that I want those people to be forever young.