It Was 20 Years Ago Today…

well not exactly 20 years to the day, but indeed 20 years since yours truly graduated from Lakeland High School in White Lake, MI.  Last night, I went to my reunion…

I really was torn about whether I should go or not and wrote about it on the blog.  The comments I received both here and on Facebook, a few from former classmates, helped me to decide that yeah I should go.  The nice thing was that our “rival” high school, Milford, was also having their reunion the same night at the same place. 

So I got there about an hour late (stayed home to watch the end of the Tigers / White Sox game) and as I was walking into the building, I really got a little nervous.  I had to stop and take a few breaths before opening the door.  It actually got worse as I went up to the registration table.  I held out my hand to get my wristband and saw it shaking.  What the hell Baird?!?  I needed a drink!

With a little liquid courage in me, I did a walk of the room and soon saw a few people that helped put me at ease.  The first hour passed and with each person I talked to, I started to relax a bit.  A few SHOUT OUT’s real quick to Bill and Jeff (two guys who I had my share of laughs with), Ed (who I have connected with on Facebook and have really appreciated “getting to know” again), Anthony (very gracious and hasn’t age a day since we graduated), Nicole (I forgot how sweet and genuine she was), Kim (through church group and MSU we shared many a moment) Don, Caryn, Jay, Ethan and Kristin (who was a classmate from pre-school(!!!) and finally pushed me over the edge to attend).

It was surreal to say the least.  Like we were all having lunch in the Kiva.  You look at the tables and who’s talking to who and you just had to chuckle.  Some things just don’t seem to change.

So about an hour into the reunion, I see a familiar face coming across the room.  It was my friend Ken from Milford.  He came into our reunion looking for me. Ken and I went to elementary together, boy scouts, little league, etc.  My whole demeanor changed at the point.  Suddenly I felt at ease, even though I haven’t seen him in at least 16 years. We took some time catching up and decided to head over to Milford’s reunion to see who else was there.

I got to tell you, I walked into their hall it was like I could finally exhale.  I just completely relaxed.  There was Rob at the door, then Dave, Carl, Kelly, Carol, Bruce, Ethan, Mark…so many more…these were the people I grew up with!  Carl brought a photo of the two of us in Kindergarten for the love of Pete.  For seven years, leading up to Jr. High and my family moving, you couldn’t separate Carl and I.  It’s really scary how you can lose track of someone so quickly and for so long.

Stories, hugs, shots, laughs…it really ended up being a great night (on both sides of the hall).  I don’t want another 20 years to go by and not see my friends again. With as close as everyone lives, there’s no reason for that to happen.  Email’s were collected, friend requests on Facebook sent and hopefully friendships rekindled so new memories can be made.