20 years sounds like a long time. Not really. This weekend was my high school reunion (20th) and my Uncle’s 50th. Several things put the passage of time in perspective for me. One of my old teachers came to our reunion and spoke to us about life. It was great to see him and hear what he had to say. I talked to old friends like it was yesterday, and really missed the ones who couldn’t make it. I pondered why so many classmates did not make it out. With the invention of Facebook, many people can check in on your “life”. One of my classmates and I discussed this very fact; however, it is not the same as face-to-face contact.
Let me explain. What you post on the book of face is not always as it appears. Sure, some people post everything, but others are more selective in their approach. I think that people are so worried about the passage of time and what others’ perceptions of them might be or might have been that they are afraid to see people face-to-face. I spoke to one person about that as well last night. I said that oftentimes in high school we are so worried about what others might think that we fail to show our true personalities. It is difficult to break out of that “brand”. So much so that people are periodically trying to be seen as the person they were 20 years ago, when in fact, things have changed. It was difficult to be different 20 years ago, but I applaud the ones who were.
We worried about the correct clothes, the right hair, the right shoes, and perhaps we still do. Oddly enough, the story of the Michigan girl who was bullied came to light this weekend, and it made me proud to see that she went to the homecoming game anyway. The story is here. I remember being teased, and yes bullied. There is no other word for it. Someone tried to force me to admit to something I did not do and even went so far as to come over to my house and harass me with two of her friends. She has never apologized for that action, and probably never will. She sent me a Facebook friend request instead. Ha. I took that as her way of apologizing many, many years later. Why did I accept you might ask? Because we can change and 20 years is a long time to hold a grudge.
Sure, we still worry about what others might think, but in the end, you have to ask yourself one question…who gives a rat’s ass? So I danced like it was 20 years ago and took ridiculous photos with my friends. I laughed loud and smiled often. My husband, who is ever my supporter, stood by and smiled his secret smile and just observed. He really isn’t one for small talk anyway. So if I don’t see some of you for a while, just know that it was great to catch up with you and some things never change:)
“Time is a dressmaker specializing in alterations.” ~Faith Baldwin
