What a privilege to be able to attend my 40th college class reunion this past weekend, in Wheaton, by Chicago!
I had the best friends at Wheaton; my roommate, the girls across the hall from us, and a few others that I connected with that year I was there.
Even though I was there only one year those friendships are solid. We picked up right where we left off!
Brian graduated from Wheaton, and he was remembered by several. For me, to chat with some of those who remembered him, it was sort of a tying of loose ends, perhaps another grief journey, a resolving, a good-bye.
Ed went with me, and I was so happy to have him hear fun stories, remembrances of his dad, and be my escort. I am so blessed!
Today I am subbing art at both the elementary school and the high school this afternoon, and I’m able to write during free moments. I wanted to jot down my impressions and gratitude for such a reunion weekend as was.
I don’t usually blog at school. I need the peace of Corgi Hollows, but today I just had to record my thoughts before they got stale.
It was a gorgeous drive across Wisconsin down to Wheaton—budding leaves and blossoms, blue sky, perfect conditions! It was in the 80’s and 90’s for the this Mother’s Day weekend.
(I was wished a happy mother’s day by all of my children and their spouses, which I believe is just a precious gift from God! How blessed I am!)
The singing at the reunion was a highlight, “May the Mind of Christ My Savior” was sung several times, and I always love that hymn, especially sung by excellent voices, multiples of voices, and voices that know it well. Wow.
The students’ concert presentation on Friday evening was wonderful: Girls chorus, Men’s Glee, Concert Choir, Organ, Orchestra, and Band. Delightful! My roommate’s son had a saxophone solo part that was positively gorgeous!
The fellowship and conversation with these old friends was just amazing! I just love these women! We are spread out across the country, but we share parenting experience—joys and woes, career/life experience, and spiritual connection, which is really what binds us.
We all promised to stay in closer touch from now on, since our families are on the cusp of change, with parents aging or already gone, kids in college or married, and our jobs wrapping up and retirement looming. I look forward to our future fellowship, if not here on earth, certainly in eternity.
We are bonded.
It was sweet to hear chat about Brian, too. I was able to talk with a couple of his former roommates.
My main thought, recurring, was, of course—“Brian would love to hear this!”
That is poignant.
Tears were close to the surface.
Ed and I visited the JRR Tolkien desk, the Wardrobe of Narnia lore, and C.S. Lewis’ items at the Wade center. I recommend a visit there if you can, if you are a fan of Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, or any of Lewis’ works. It is well done.
We also saw an exhibit about Elisabeth Elliot at the Billy Graham Center. Excellent.
Walking around campus, visiting Perry Mastodon in the new science building, touring the new music center, and all the new student center facilities was fun. Being able to see Edman Chapel and hear the pipe organ on which I learned to play so many years ago was a privilege.
I am glad I went to my reunion. When you are in your sixties you should try to go. I think my mother-in-law once said something to me about reunions in your sixties and how fun they were. She was right. They are. All of our joys and sorrows have mellowed us, humbled us, bonded us, and helped us to see the value in each. Maturity, perhaps, but also experience can make us easier on each other.
I’m grateful.
MARANATHA!