Here’s to the Class of 1974

“On June 21, 2014, the Savannah High School Class of 1974 celebrated our 40 year reunion.”

I put that sentence in quotes because for the past two years I’ve been having a hard time grasping that this event was about to happen. Frankly, I didn’t want to admit that I graduated from high school 40 years ago. More than that (I see you doing the math), I knew people would immediately figure out how old I am. Did I mention I skipped some grades and graduated early? See, there I go again. No, I did not skip any grades. I graduated right on time. Like my fellow classmates, I am not 25, or 35 or even 55 anymore. Well, so be it.

You see, an event happened on June 21, 2014, that helped me realize how proud I am to be celebrating 40 years since graduating from high school. I discovered that my classmates are really awesome people. I thought they were great teenagers but I had no idea how fabulous they could possibly be as adults. They are truly warm and funny and loving and the best and most wonderful people ever.

There was real joy when I looked into every face at that reunion. Real joy. But there was also sadness. Some of our friends were not there because they left this earth all too soon. We remembered them that night with fondness and tears and will always hold their memory in our hearts. And then there were those who chose not to come. That was disappointing. But I have a message for them. They got it wrong. This would have been a life-altering moment in their lives and they missed it. I also have to admit that we could not find everyone from our graduating class to invite them to this event. We really tried, but if we weren’t able to locate you, please get in touch and let us know where you are. We will be so excited to see you next time, and there will be a next time!

There were so many wonderful surprises, but I’d say the one that struck me most deeply was to find quite a few classmates who, like me, are just opening the third act of their careers. This is scary territory at our age. Especially with the hoards of 25-, 35- and 45-year-olds out there who wish we’d just go away. But we have news for them. We are still in the game, going full blast, with no plans to slow down anytime soon. We have more time, energy, inspiration and ideas than ever. We wrote the dance routine and can do it backwards and in high heels, with our eyes closed, up hill, both ways, in the snow.

So, I have finally come to the realization that if my age is a problem, it is your problem, not mine. I am good. My classmates are great. And we are awesome together. Here’s to the Class of 1974!