Reunions.

Something there is about reunions that can be special. Seeing people that were a part of your life, some whom you may not have seen in a long while, really is nice.

In October, I attended my Incomparable First Wife’s 55th Washington High School class reunion. It was just a one-event, low key, time for fellowship, food and a lot of good humor.

Hearing each classmate give a brief overview of their life since graduating in 1963 was really interesting. It was neither too time consuming, nor overwrought. In some instances, there was humor, and in some cases there was a bit of pathos, but not inappropriately so.

My WHS Class of 1957 held its 60th reunion last year, and in all probability that will be the last one.

As years roll by, and former classmates receive their final “promotions,” there is a palpable presence of absence whenever we come together. That is the natural order of things, but it is still sad. I suspect each of you has similar feelings also.

Then, of course, there are always those who could come, but don’t. Especially perplexing are those who still live in the hometown, but chose not to attend. It’s not for me to have an opinion, however. I would say to them, “We missed you.” And that “Those who have passed on couldn’t come, but were they still with us they would have liked to.”

But no, I don’t think I really would actually say that to them, but I’d think it.

If there was a reunion I could make come about, it would be with those who became my friends while I served in the Army. Too much time has passed — close to 60 years — and most surely many of them have also received their final “discharge.”

So. While I won’t see them again, I do have my memories, although most names, but not faces, grow dim.

As the shadows lengthen, one really comes to understand that perhaps the most valuable thing we have is time.

Time. And our memories.

More importantly, if during our time here we have loved, and been loved, what more could we possibly have asked for?

What more, indeed.

So, kind friends, while we still tarry here awhile, let us hope for, pray for, that best reunion still to come.

May it be so.