The Reunion

File under Set the Bar Low

This past Friday night was my 20th High School reunion.

20 years. That’s a long time.

But it’s not the years that have had more of an effect on me, rather it’s the realization that there is a part of my history, of who I am, that I am missing. It was roughly 20 years ago that I left Houston, Texas after graduating to head to college and make my way. I wanted to get out of Texas and I did. Way out of Texas. In fact I went out of my way to move on from High School, drifting away from friends and even farther from acquaintances. Maybe it’s natural, maybe not. In any case, I had little contact with those I walked the school halls with, until the past few weeks. Unfortunately because of work, and 1,300 miles, I wasn’t able to make it to the reunion. But, thanks to the gloriousness that is Facebook I’ve been able to keep up with the pre-, during, and post-reunion chatter, and I have had two realizations:

First is the feeling that there is a whole group of other people who I share a common history with. They may have had different experiences and recollections, but in some way they are my past. They are a part of me. No matter how distant. And I miss that.

Second, and more in line with the Perfect Antidote theme, is that people make the most of their lives. We all had hopes and dreams, we all had life plans. But whether we followed them exactly, or whether our dreams came true, we all etched out a niche of happiness that fits who we are, not someone else who tells us what success is.

Happiness is being in the presence of those who you love and who love you. Happiness is in sharing both good and bad times with people. And happiness is remembering where you came from.

I’m looking forward to 25.

Song of the Day
In honor, of going back to high school, even if it was virtually, the song of the day is by a great new band Half Moon Run called “Full Circle”.