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How Did They Find Me?

It’s scary. A little bit. I received a letter today from my High School Alumni Association, inviting me to a class reunion. A big reunion. High School.

My first reaction was – how did these people find me? I’ve outdistanced two colleges, a handful of trade and specialty schools, and – ya know? I like it that way. No junk mail. No urgings to continue education or requests for money. Since John Kennedy was president, I’ve moved a whole bunch of times, and I don’t recall ever contacting any past school – ever – and saying, “here I am. Come get me.”

So I received this letter today from one of my classmates.

“Greetings.”

No no. That was the draft board. And it wasn’t today.

The letter today was from Nancy E. I remember her as being slight, cute, and popular within a somewhat tight circle. Her invitation was warmly persuasive, and contained more words than we had exchanged in the entire four years spent in class together. This failing at the time was certainly not her fault. It was mine. At the age of 14, I started performing in semi-professional theatre, missed most of my high school activities, and quickly grew to have virtually nothing in common with my classmates.

So why on earth do they want to make friends now?

I avoided going to reunions when I was first out of school. Several of my friends died in Vietnam. I didn’t need reminders. Still don’t.

The letter mentioned two new education buildings named for teachers I knew. Given enough time, it’s amazing how individuals can become so much larger than life. One of the teachers I liked. I would pay money for a statue to be erected in memory of the 2nd teacher. I would insist that this statue be prominently displayed in an area frequented by pigeons – lots and lots and lots of pigeons.

So here’s my question. Should I go? If I decline the invitation, it’s not like I’m avoiding anything traumatic or even important in my life. It’s High School. At the same time, I admit to being apprehensive. Does that mean something? Anything?

Anybody have an opinion or experience to contribute here? I’d appreciate it.


And how was your day?

JB