Reflections of Our 45th Reunion
Thank you, class of '68 - thank you for an evening filled with gay and warm thoughts. Thank you for once again making me feel like I belong. Thank you for making me feel valued. And most of all - thank you, for making me feel loved. I know we all felt those feelings that night. I know we all showed up last night because we care. I know that in the few hours we had together, none of us had enough time to talk with every one of our classmates who were there. But that was okay, wasn't it? It was okay because just by being there, we all made a statement to everyone else who was there. Our statment was we cared.
While talking one-on-one or in groups, some of us would catch a glance from another classmate across the room and exchange a knowing smile. That was all that was needed to show that we cared and that said it all. Did you notice the sincerity amongst us? We spoke through our 60+ years of triumphs and tragedies and of the joys and sadness we now carry in our hearts. We spoke with sincerity and embraced the moment...a moment we can always claim as our moment...because we grew from our youth into adulthood together and have always understood what we are all about.
On our 45 year reunion, 45 of our clssmates had passed away. The names were laid out there before us as a tribute. And as I looked at each name, it struck me that we have averaged the loss of one classmate a year over the past 45 years. And I could not help but think that another five of us - maybe more - will have joined those names by our 50th class reunion in five more years. As I left Saturday night, I asked God to please take care of each of us until our next adventure together in the year 2018. When my wife, Julie, and I reached our car and closed the doors, the silence inside roared. And in that moment I felt so wonderful and so complete...then tears welled up in my eyes and I began crying. After Julie had observed all of us all evening and while watching me cry, she asked with pure insight, "You miss them already, don't you?" I told her, "I've always missed them."
I love you all, and I thank you all, for helping me to be here today. May God keep His hand on your shoulders until we embrace again...
Written by Larry Ingraham on October 26, 2013, after our 45th Reunion.