On June 4, 1965, in LaGrange, Georgia, I adjusted my mortarboard and smoothed my blue graduation robe. The gold tassel seemed to shine brighter that night than when I had tried it on earlier that afternoon. My dad probably polished it more because he was very proud of my accomplishment in completing twelve years of education. If “proud” isn’t the right word, perhaps “thankful” is more accurate, as I fell short of grasping the concept of algebra.
I recall being acutely aware of my emotions that early summer evening. As young as I was, I understood life would never be quite the same once I moved off the LaGrange High stage and into the world. When I looked at the faces of my classmates, whom I adored, I couldn’t help but wonder if we would see each other again.
Years can throw us curve balls and strikeouts, but old friends can put us back on the playing field of dreams once again.
Life is full of moments that blend happiness and sadness, creating uncertainty and excitement, while tugging at our heartstrings. This was surely one of them. Little did I know then how the Class of ’65 would influence my life for the next 60 years.
When we are seventeen, our dreams typically outweigh reality. It takes time before we realize the perfect job, spouse, house, and future may not be as ideal as we imagined. Years can throw us curve balls and strikeouts, but old friends can put us back on the playing field of dreams once again.
Soon after graduating, I had a conversation with my favorite teacher. I thanked Mrs. Smith for believing in me even more than I believed in myself. She shared, “Lynn, your class is special. It was the largest in our school’s history, but there is a bond between so many of you that I doubt time will change. You will always be encouraged by each other.”
Her words, a testament to the enduring nature of our bond, still bring me comfort today.
Through illnesses, heartaches, and troubles, we lean on each other. We can be miles apart, but the connection remains. When my daughter was ill and my classmates heard the news, prayers spread across the nation.
Ten years ago, I retired and decided that I wanted to write essays, but I was uncertain about where to start. With our 50th reunion approaching, I found myself lying awake at night, reminiscing about my class and the stories we shared. The constant tossing and turning, accompanied by a flood of memories, made for some restless nights.
Finally, one morning, I sat down at my computer and wrote a lengthy article about the LaGrange High Class of 1965. On a whim, I submitted it to the LaGrange News, even though I knew it was too long for a typical newspaper column. Afterward, I finally found the peace to sleep.
Within a few days, I received a call from the news editor informing me that they would run the story back-to-back for three consecutive days. Two weeks later, I was a weekly columnist. Five years later, after a classmate encouraged me, I published my first book, followed by a second one.
Every time I returned to LaGrange for a book signing, I knew that some of my former classmates who still lived in the area would come by. Their unwavering support, love, and encouragement, just as they have always shown, are a testament to the value and appreciation we hold for one another.
God has a unique way of bringing people together, whether for a short while or a lifetime. The friends we make in life are truly gifts.
Next month, we will hold our 60th reunion. Each time we meet, we feel like we are 17 again, marveling at how quickly time has passed. For a moment, we will forget the aches, pains, and disappointments that life brings us and laugh away the years.
We were a group of 252 strong baby boomers, the children of the resilient survivors of the Great Depression and World Wars. Today, seventy-two of our classmates are no longer with us. Although their laughter is silenced, their memory will never leave.
God has a unique way of bringing people together, whether for a short while or a lifetime. The friends we make in life are truly gifts. Whether a pal is in our lives for a day, a month, or many years, their presence is meaningful for reasons we may not fully understand.
God and Mrs. Smith understood this when the Lord gathered 252 people to form a remarkable class. Time has not weakened our bond, nor has it changed our spirits.
“Lynn, can you believe we’ve reached this point?” my high school friend asked me recently.
“Unbelievable!” I replied. “I couldn’t have done it without you!”
How do we reach any milestone in life without the friends who stand by us at every stage, including those who once wore the same gold tassels and blue graduation gowns?
