A 50th class reunion reminds us that togetherness matters most

Fifty years is a long time.

People change a lot in 50 years. There’s weight gain and hair loss, some careers flourish while others flounder. Some achieve their dreams and others are left to wonder what might have been.

In the course of half a century, too many marriages fail. Worse, much worse, are the marriages that end with the death of a spouse. All that is important, but none of it seemed to matter at my Mary’s 50th class reunion.

Mary Shurett

The Fort Payne Wildcats Class of 1974 gathered to celebrate that milestone in early June. Almost half the seniors who graduated that year – and a few who didn’t graduate for one reason or another but were an important part of that class – came together to reminisce.

It’s no exaggeration to say they did that to love on one another. It was remarkable.

High school isn’t a great experience for everyone. Kids can be cruel to each other along the way. Some children can be pretty good at making others feel “less than” in some way. Bullying is not a new phenomenon. It has thrived for years.

I’ve heard too many people say, “High school wasn’t fun for me. Why would I want to go back and see people who mistreated me back then?”

That’s a good point, one easily understood. But a 50th reunion is different. People are beyond caring what car you drive or what clothes you wear. At age 68, these alums were happy to be alive and see each other again.

Genuine joy and love was obvious among the graduates – let’s be less formal and call them old friends. My Mary and I have been to six of her reunions, and they do a couple of things I really admire.

The class officers preside and, of course, there’s a fun PowerPoint presentation for all to enjoy. Photos from school days are shared, as are pictures from past reunions. The highlight of the evening is when each graduate takes the microphone and tells a bit of their life story for all to hear.

We heard quick stories of life and death, of children and grands, of past trials and future plans. No one mentioned a big house or promotion but everyone – almost to a person – spoke of the closeness of the group.

It went from, “I wouldn’t miss one of our reunions for anything,” to “I haven’t been back in 50 years and I’m so glad I’m here.” Virtually everyone closed with, “I love you guys,” and each declaration was sincere.

It wasn’t just a Saturday night affair. Each reunion closes with a Sunday morning worship service at a local church. Two of the 1974 grads are gifted ministers, and the closing moments of each reunion are spent together in worship before last hugs and “see you next time” promises are made, and will be kept – Good Lord willing.

The Fort Payne High School Class of 1974 was special, but so also are they all, your class and mine. As we age, even as our eyes falter, our vision becomes more keen and we affirm what is really important after all.