And while many of us quote Thomas Wolfe and believe that you can’t go home again, it is imperative, sometimes, to do just that. Who we are now, of course, embodies who we were then, for some, on the surface of our bodies and beings, for others, flowing deeply beneath. It is good, sometimes, to check one’s source. 

     I am very fortunate to be doing what I love, doing it well and being appreciated. I think a lot of us at the reunion feel/felt that way about our lives and work. It seemed to be a pretty happy group, self selected no doubt, of people feeling pretty good about themselves. And perhaps because of this, we were all ever so much kinder and nicer and more friendly than we were in high school. No one had anything to prove. No need to hide behind attitude, clothes, or the other defenses. We were all simply there to be there with each other.  It was a love fest, with much compassion and a lot of humor. Hey, we made it this far! Lucky us. We are very lucky group.

     To look at a face, not quite know it, and then see the old friend …still there, looking out at you with the same question and then the same delight…”Hi, it’s YOU! So good to see you!” Often that was all that was needed. I see you. I remember you. I’m so glad to see you again.

      I know many of us...if not all...wish we'd had even more time to talk. But the two bookends at the hotel gave us a cozy and welcoming environment to do so, along with the lovely, open space at Green Oaks. Perfect.  And hopefully some of the dialogues will continue. Thanks committee….ya done real good! 
     Along with the reconnection with people from my childhood, something that I found very moving was being able to walk along the Monongahela River, now flowing beneath and between  heavy green foliage instead of steel mills. How delicious it was to hang out on the banks of that river! I took photos of it.
      I'm a big fan of rivers. I live in NYC and I joke that the Hudson is my significant other. I really understand   that rivers are part of my roots and psyche. Wide, deeply flowing rivers. It was so good to feel the connection to that water. I think connection is the key to why we came and why we had such a good time. And as far as our lives have led us from that graduation moment fifty years ago, and as much as we may not have felt that way fifty years ago, we are fortunate to still have the connection. As I said, lucky us.