04 October, 2017

With A Little Help From My Friends!

I recently celebrated a birthday; in grand style-- with a little help from my friends! My high school friends, to be more accurate. This year the day just happened to fall on the same day as our high school reunion! Mr. Goodneedle and I were in the same class so this event was great fun for both of us; we're still talking about what a terrific time we had visiting and catching up with classmates.
A specially decorated name tag greeted me at the registration table. The name tags, all bearing our high school yearbook photos were helpful for identifying each other but they make me laugh. Akin to one's "permanent record", like it or not, that photo will follow your every step for the rest of your life! I have heard that there were approximately 80 people in attendance, a great turnout. The event was held on the grounds of a classmate, it was the perfect venue on a gloriously clear and sunny fall day!
I was lucky enough to share a dinner table with my two best friends from all those many years ago. There's nothing like a reunion such as this one to take one back. It wasn't difficult to remember all those fun (and often not-so-fun) times when I was an insecure and tentative teenager worried about insignificant and trivial matters (which were anything but at that time!). What a gift it is now to reflect and realize that all these decades later maturity yields a secure and stable outlook freeing us from the fear and anxiety of our youth.  I believe that my parents and grandparents reassured me with similar words and encouragement at the time; but why would I have listened then-- I was a teenager after all. Now, I feel that responsibility, to offer reassurance and encourage. Surviving those teenage years is not for the weak and timid; but oh, the years after are God-given blessings, each and every one!
Life is Good!

9 comments:

Little Penpen said...

That is so sweet that they recognized your birthday! Happy Birthday to you!

Janet O. said...

Congrats on your birthday!
Looks like a wonderful place for visiting and renewing friendships.

Quiltdivajulie said...

When I'm 64 has been wandering around in my head a lot lately too (after all, we were born in the same year). How grand that the reunion coincided - and what marvelous observations about the teenage years. Now if only we could share that knowledge with our grands and have them really hear what we're saying . . .

julieQ said...

Happy happy birthday!!! Lovely venue, and I am so glad you had such a great time!

cityquilter grace said...

i thought that photo had a new englandy look...congrats to you....it's my 50th this year

quiltmom anna said...

Wishing you a belated Happy Birthday- may you enjoy many more happy healthy fun filled years shared with friends and loved ones. With warmest wishes, Anna

Sherrill said...

Looking good after all the years and you graduated only one year ahead of me (but I've never attended a reunion). Happy belated 64th! Were you two HS sweethearts?

Carolyn said...

When I turned 64 last year, I also kept singing when I'm 64. Happy birthday! And here's to many more!

AnnieO said...

Belated Happy Birthday! My DH also just turned 64 in September. I sang him the Beatles song. :)