CLASS OF ’57 LUNCHEON

Yesterday we had a “girl’s” gathering of classmates from Hillsboro’s class of ’57. What fun it was because at the 50th reunion we had last summer there were so many of us that we just didn’t have the opportunity to really talk to anyone for any length of time. All the June reunion did for me was whet my appetite to get to know each other a little better. Yesterday’s lunch at Lou’s house helped me to become at least a little more acquainted with women I hadn’t really seen or talked to in fifty years.

First, there was Carolyn, the very same one of the trio who went to West High School with me on a snowy day (see "Dropping by West High on a Snowy Day"). She and I have kept in touch; it was just a matter of catching up. Then there was Linda, whom the genius went out with a time or two right before he dated me, I think. We had had a tennis connection at one time, so we had a good time chatting about that.

I talked to Wanda about her aging mother (98 years old) and the problems most of us have experienced with our parents at one time or another. The predicaments they get into can be quite funny; if you don’t find humor in those situations, you’ll get depressed, so you might as well laugh like she was doing. I really enjoyed talking to Wanda because we used to go to church together, also, and I had basically lost touch with her.

There were eight of us eating at one table while the others were scattered around a large connecting room. At our table we all agreed that Lynn had changed the least of any of us; she still looks exactly like she did in high school. Lynn, who married a classmate Buddy, told me that my son Jim had broken the heart of her daughter’s best friend. “I mean REALLY broke her heart --- she was just crushed.” That was at least twenty-five years ago, but she kept talking about it. I didn’t know whether I should apologize or not. I didn’t; I figured that was up to him.

Also at our table was the widow of the boy I went with for the last two years of high school. Since none of us had met her until the 40th reunion when he was still alive, we don't know her as well. I think it’s nice that she feels comfortable enough to attend our get-togethers.

Adair was there although I don’t ever remember her attending Hillsboro; I’m pretty sure she didn’t graduate with us. But she was a scream. She lives in Kingston Springs and is a Commissioner for Cheatham County. I’m not sure what that entails, but she had a Senate license plate on her car, so I guess she gets parking privileges somewhere.

Susan was as funny as she usually is. She told me that Bowyer goes to the Y every single day, but SHE doesn’t. She doesn’t believe in exercise (someone after my own heart). I was commiserating with her because I have an exercise freak for a husband until I found out that Bowyer goes only for the whirlpool for his back. So I took back my sympathy because that’s not the same.

I can see that this is going to take two days to write. So I’ll close this episode with Charlotte. I told her that she was indirectly responsible for my writing a blog because she told me about Larry’s blog at the reunion. As I’ve mentioned before, Larry and Betty graduated with us and he got me started on mine, as well as greatly encouraging me. I have truly enjoyed getting to know them. Charlotte is still working (very successfully, I’m told) in real estate. She insisted that she wanted to read my blog so I sent her the address. I hope she leaves comments as some of YOU used to do.

The ’57 luncheon will be continued tomorrow.