REUNION SURPRISE

I have written journal entries in the past in which I have reflected on my high school class reunions, college homecomings, and sorority reunions. All have given me opportunities to look back on good times and some not-so-good times, friendships from long ago, and my own journey through life. Exercises like this are usually good for the soul and cause me to ponder my past and my future. What lessons have I learned, if any? What do I want to accomplish in the months and years ahead? Am I satisfied with the status quo or ready to make some changes?



This past weekend, I attended my 45^th high school class reunion. Even though I was on the planning committee and we worked really hard to put together a nice event, I didn’t really know how it would turn out. The saying comes to mind, "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry." No matter how carefully a project is planned, something may still go wrong. Fortunately, it seems that most everyone had a good time so I can safely say our mission was accomplished.



What I didn’t plan for was my personal reaction to the reunion events. First, I was overwhelmed by the large attendance at the Friday night mixer. I was anticipating a low turnout but was shocked when I saw the parking lot was full and the rooms were so packed, we had trouble moving about. Even though we ran out of food at the buffet table, people lingered, posed for photographs, ordered drinks, and enjoyed the evening. I was thrilled beyond words. Much to the annoyance of many, I insisted on giving hugs and made it a point to make everyone feel welcomed and appreciated for making the effort to come.



On Saturday morning, a group met at the old high school for a tour. I must say, this was one of the highlights of my reunion experience. The doors were opened for us and we were free to roam throughout the old building. I saw my old locker on the first floor near the cafeteria (which looked very small, by the way). I noticed the old green tiles on the walls, the same door and window frames, the stairs, and the principal’s office (a place in which I was never invited to visit as a student!). It literally felt like I had stepped back in time. Suddenly, as everyone around me was chattering and laughing, my eyes filled with tears. The lump in my throat began to swell and I had to fight back the tears. No one else seemed to be affected so I turned away and hid my emotions so that I wouldn’t embarrass myself, as I had done so many times 45 years ago as an awkward teenage girl. Once I got myself together and joined up with the others, I had fun remembering the classrooms, the teachers, and so much more.



From there, we went to the old junior high building where even more memories were pulled from the deep recesses of my mind. Memories dating back 50 years weighed heavy on my heart and once again, tears filled my eyes.



I had lunch at the best hamburger joint in the world, Hamburger King, with James and Lorna, my friend since 4^th grade. Several other classmates from my elementary school were also having lunch at the same time and sat in booths around us. I felt so comfortable and it truly was like going home again.



The Saturday night event was a lot of fun, too. I enjoyed catching up with friends, dancing like a maniac, and especially enjoyed having a photograph made with my elementary school classmates. As I made the rounds and said my good-byes, I told everyone, "I’ll see you at the 50^th, if not before!" But even as I said those words, my mind was thinking about the memorial wall filled with photographs of friends who have passed on.



We left the reunion and I was, on the one hand, excited about the success of the past two days. But my heart was breaking as I thought that some of us will never be together again.



Some may wonder why I am involved in planning and hosting class reunions. I assure you it is not for drawing attention to myself. Maybe it is because of my personality type which thrives on honest and authentic relationships. I care about people’s feelings, I believe that life has meaning and I try to make a difference in the world. I am affectionate, I want to live in harmony and I hate conflict. I want to make people feel special and that they are important to me. This is who I am and how I express myself.

Even though I planned and organized and thought out every possibility for potential disaster, I was surprised and delighted when the reunion weekend happened without a hitch. Today, I am emotionally exhausted but so thankful I had the opportunity to spend time with people I truly care for. And yes, I’ll see you at the 50^th, if not before!

A NO-COST PRESCRIPTION

Everyone in my age bracket knows, sometimes through personal experience, that prescription drugs can be very expensive. But, no matter the cost, if you or a loved one is ill and the prescription is needed, there is nothing that will stop you from doing whatever it takes to get the medication. Your life, or theirs, could depend on it.



There is a prescription, however, that requires no written script, no co-pay, comes with no list of side-effects which are potentially worse than the ailment, and no reason to max out your charge card. It won’t necessarily be filled at Walgreen’s or your local pharmacy and it definitely does not require pre-approval from the insurance company. This prescription is free to all who are heartbroken, emotionally exhausted, suffering from loneliness, and truly in need of a miraculous cure.



You’ve probably guessed that I’m not referring to a little pill that is easily popped into the mouth or a serum injected into your arm. My recommended prescription for ailments of the heart and soul is just a small gesture that requires two open arms to embrace another and three little words – a hug and "I love you". Oh, you might think I’m being naive about the seriousness of depression, anxiety, or any life-threatening disease, or flippant in regard to the life-saving attributes of a miracle drug, but, I can personally attest to the healing power of a warm hug and words of love whispered over me.



I dare say ALL of us as parents have experienced disappointment, sadness, and utter despair when our adult children are faced with insurmountable problems – health, financial, relational, the list continues. When our kids were young, if there was a boo-boo or a problem, we fixed it. But, as our kids become adults, sometimes we just can’t fix it, and it hurts to the core to have to admit it. The problem can be too big, overwhelming, and difficult. It’s just beyond our control.



Recently, my daughters have both suffered devastating blows. It wasn’t because they did something wrong or made bad decisions, it was just life throwing them curve balls. I am proud to say that they have handled themselves as strong, Christian, young women in dealing with their situations. Our entire family has been involved throughout all of this and in all honesty, it has strengthened our familial bond.



As I was caught in a moment of weakness, I had one hell of a pity party. I cried, I moped, and I lashed out at God and asked why He hadn’t shown up to save the day. But in my ignorance, I wasn’t really looking for Him, as He was, most definitely, working in both of my girls’ lives. A friend came to me, not knowing the troubles in my life, and she shared words of wisdom, gave me a huge hug, and whispered words of love in my ear. It was the exact prescription I needed for my broken heart and, most importantly, helped me to see what my role as a mother should be.

　

And, perhaps the best medicine of all came from a text from one of my daughters. She said, "Just wanting to let you know....I love u mom!". There it was again! The prescription I needed to heal and restore my own emotional health and it came from my own child! I must say that I am absolutely amazed at the ways God tends to us when we find ourselves desperate for help. Even though I’m not sure how this is all going to be resolved for my daughters, my trust in God has been renewed.


I share this with you to encourage anyone who needs a miracle to first look to God who is the Great Physician. There you will find peace that heals all wounds. And lastly, if you know someone who is hurting and suffering and feels life crushing down, open your arms and give them a hug and, if you dare, whisper words of love in their ear. I promise you they will feel the healing power of a no-cost prescription that you can freely give to another.