Was invited to a local reunion event to hawk my book, a non-fiction look at the first fifty years of our local school district. Large social gatherings make me edgy but it was all about the book. I know my book in and out. No reason for social discomfort.
As it turns out, it was the best book event I’ve had so far. I sold far more than I expected. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be there. The reunion was a 50th high school event. Mine is next year. So I knew some of these folks from over the years. And I met many more wonderful folks the other night.
Here’s the deal. Back in the day, I was pleasing to the eye. Though I’m still attractive, there is waaaay more of me to love. Decades of mental and physical health issues have robbed me of my once bright spark. Or so I thought.
I love being on the periphery at these events. To watch the joy emerge on the faces of the attendees as they reunite with old friends. To have attained enough maturity to say the meaningful things to one another. To comprehend the beauty of the memories. As an individual who feels emotions deeply, it’s as moving as it is entertaining. And I think it is because I’m allowed to be an onlooker.
A couple of special moments elapsed as I greeted a couple of longtime friends. One had dated my best friend for years and the other I worked a summer job with for several years. They have been long gone from our town, are very successful, and have large and loving families. But they were humble enough to spend some time with me. And it was quality time
These two guys accepted me for me. Somehow they saw past the self-deprecating humor. It’s hard for me to explain at this moment how our conversations conveyed so much meaning in such a short time. I’ve been enveloped in a euphoric fog that turned bittersweet yesterday when I happened to think, “Is that the last time I will see either of them?”
It’s a legitimate question. Life is not guaranteed. Being able to speak to each of those men was an unbelievable gift. If I didn’t convey it at the time, each of them should know how much their kindness has always meant to me and how thankful I am to know them. Though I hope we meet again in this life, I know we will meet again eventually.
Some of my “old self” was with me at this event. The part of me that laughed spontaneously, the part of me that felt joy, the part of me that felt respected came out to play, even if only briefly. In the wise words of Lady Gaga, “Whether life’s disabilities/Left you outcast, bullied, or teased/Rejoice and love yourself today/,Cause baby, you were born this way.”
Thanks guys, it meant more than you know.
Stories Are For Eternity 