Tomorrow I have an opportunity to take part in an age old tradition that many worry about, hate to think about, or just plain loathe. HIGH SCHOOL REUNION. 15 years have passed since my time in the hallowed halls of Boone Jr. - Sr. High School. Many times my friends and I have talked about some of those things that became building blocks or pitfalls of who we have become today. Many times I have thought about those times that I wish I could go back and change if only technology had advanced far enough to give us time travel. The older I get however, I think that there are less and less things I really would change. Without each one of those experiences, I may not have ended up being the unstable, well rounded (more in the love handles than anywhere else), guy that the world has grown to love.
I have ran into and spoken with a couple of my classmates from back then in the last couple of weeks and realize that time is funny thing. The people I really thought I knew who they were and what they were about (knew because of cliques and locker room rumors mostly) really are fine people who have done very well for themselves. Some are lawyers, insurance agents, golf pro's, and stay at home mom's. Some are lifetime students, pastors, and some are still looking for where their path might take them. Everyone that I have talked to though has a great story to tell about how they have become who they are since we left the world of study halls and green hot dogs behind. As story that I am not sure 15 years ago, I would have given them the time of day to tell.
I guess that I would say today, my only regret from high school is that I got so caught up in the social structure and idea that you can only really associate with these people and everyone else ignore as they ignore you. I missed the opportunity to maybe get to know others becuase I did give them an opportunity to let me know them. For that I am sorry. I do look forward to hearing those stories tomorrow evening and setting aside the labels of yesterday for friends of tomorrow.
There are many things that I am incredibly grateful that happened in high school. While some of these are either inappropriate to discuss in this forum, or may embarrass others who might be involved, I will leave those between us. Here however is a list of my top 5 things (that I can think of now) that I loved in high school.
5. Spring break trips with the guys. Different locations, great memories, and something that truly opened my eyes to wanting to see more of this great country!
4. Boone High Fine Arts Department. As much as I was the definition of band geek, chorus nerd, or drama dork, I loved every minute of it. I, without a doubt have a great appreciation of music and theater today because of it. It gave me an opportunity to escape into something that I was good at and that in and of itself was rare.
3. Fish-wiches (hot dog shaped sandwich with fish served on a bun) - I am not sure if they make these anymore but DANG... those were good.
2. Those moments where you just felt like you fit in. In high school these don't come often but when they do come, you never want that moment to end. I can tell you a handful of those moments if asked but I can tell you now that those who were there may not know it but I have appreciated that since.
1. Kelly Acuff (Howard) - Without high school, I would not have gotten together with my wife, had three beautiful girls and would have possibly been the inspiration for a secondary character on some CBS sitcom.
I hope that each one of you can relate to my words and hope that each one of you remember more good than bad about high school. It was sometimes a brutal part of growing up, but other times, it some of the best moments of our lives.
Welcome back Boone High Class of 1993! I hope your lives have been as blessed as mine has.
NOW... get out of here and GO LIVE LIFE!
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