REUNION REFLECTIONS

 

 

THE AFTERGLOW

 

By Karen Eugenia Mitchell

 

October 20, 2008

 

 

            Growing up, in the 1950’s and 60’s in Lexington, Kentucky, was a pleasurable experience.  Most of the parents in our neighborhood had survived a terrible World War and lived through a depression. If they were able to teach us anything—it must have been work ethic and survival.

 

            Most people had at least one hard-working parent, and some had two. Almost all of the children on the block had a Mom who was usually home, and a Dad who was usually at work. Some of the households had a domestic servant, once a week to help with the chores. Some of us were in bed, before our working Fathers came home for the day, if they were school age—or we were at least doing homework or taking baths to prepare for bedtime. The majority of the Baby Boomers in the neighborhood were oblivious to any type of suffering.

 

            We prospered. We learned. We played. Few of us ever missed a meal, and those who did could rarely claim that it was due to lack of availability at home. We were probably late for dinner due to an activity that our parents condoned (if we were without a hot meal), but usually found some leftovers that were tucked away under aluminum foil in a warm modern oven. We knew nothing of hardship. We had all that we needed—and most that we wanted.

 

            This fall a committee of about fifteen of the Lafayette High School Class of 1968 staged a reunion event. We each had our respective duties and worked hard to accomplish our chores. The event was a grand success, and those not on in the core group work force probably had no idea how much preparation went into that beautiful presentation. As Mother used to say, after a grand holiday feast, “The proof is in the pudding.”

 

            Perhaps for the first time in the history of this class, there was actually “pudding” left over. We raised thousands of dollars, and at the end of our labors, there was money left over for another day. We had gathered enough manna to give a $2,500 Scholarship for a deserving 2009 graduate in a future Lafayette High School class and a good time was had by all. It is a fine thing when teamwork makes a plan come together!

 

            The weather was agreeable throughout the weekend event, and nobody experienced anything close to a disaster. Some of the class only attended one night of the two-day event, and at least we were all able to connect again for a minute. For one short shining moment, the prosperity of the 1950’s and 60’s reigned supreme. It was as if we had never aged.

 

 

 

The weekend was very interesting in many ways.  Not only did I have the chance to catch up with some old acquaintances, but to make some new ones.

     I learned to play golf there at Spring Valley growing up and was always curious about what was upstairs, but I never had the courage to find out for fear of getting caught where I wasn’t supposed to be.  I was talking to Janice who had been up there while checking out the facilities and she took my wife, Denise, and I up there for a look satisfying a four decades old curiosity.

     Ricky (Dr. Wright) and I sat together at dinner Saturday and had some very interesting conversations.  I also spent some time talking to Judy Tuttle.  Neither of us knew (or remember knowing) each other when we were in school, but we both write and have published short pieces.  As a result we are going to trade some work.

     There were also some old memories I had long forgotten that came to light as well.  One guy reminded me of something from our junior year.  We both wanted to ask the same girl to the prom, but were both too scared to do it.  To paraphrase Shakespeare (wouldn’t Ms. Dietz be pleased that I can still do that) I screwed my courage to the sticking post (from Macbeth) and asked her.  She was a very quiet, but very pretty girl and we were both enamored with her at the time.  I’m not sure whether he is still in awe that I had the guts to do it, or still pissed that I did it first.

     In any case, it was an interesting and enjoyable weekend.

 

 

Take Care,

 

Warren Wilson

 

 

Hey Everyone,

I can’t begin to tell what an incredible time I had…….

It is difficult to put into words what a wonderful feeling I came home with. I don’t know about you all but our class almost feels like family. I loved seeing each and everyone of you and catching up on where are lives are at this point and reminiscing about all the fun we used to have.

xxoo Anita (Cromer)

 

 

 

I had such a great time!!!  The whole thing brought back many memories.  It is amazing that we somehow all look the same as we did 40 years ago — or is it just my eyesight!?  I am looking forward to the CD since I was too busy visiting to watch it!  

 

JO GOODMAN

 

 

I enjoyed seeing and visiting with a lot of old friends, and my wife, Chris, did as well.  Her comment was, how well everyone just seemed to get back together and had a great time, even though many have not seen each other for years,  Thanks to Venetta and King for all the additional entertainment.

If we are still on the green side in 10 more years,,,we’ll be there,,,

Looking forward to the video Dave, and revisit the weekend,,,

Hook Em! & Go BIG Blue

 

Joe Bond

 

 

 

It truly was fun to see and re-connect with some of my old friends and classmates.  A special thanks to Dave Noble for putting together the videos and photos…well done!!

Keep in touch,

David Caldwell

 

 

Even though I wasn’t able get to Lexington for the reunion, I had a great time reading your e-mails, visiting the website and looking at the pictures and now reading the directory. The reunion gave me the opportunity to remember Lexington and all of you.  Sort of like the Beatles put it:

There are places I remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends
I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I’ve loved them all

I’m looking forward to being with you next time.

 

                                                        - Ben Luckens