i was at a dinner last weekend and there were about 17 people all of whom were connected to dalton except one couple. there were 3 current high school students, 5 alums, 9 current parents and 2 current parents who are also alums. it felt like an odd reunion of some sort. dalton immediately tied our lives and memories together. and even though we all shared many different types of memories, the fact that was important was we each had this commonality.
usually people sort by job or children or interest. this dinner guest list sorted by K-12 academic institution and the many different ways to be affiliated. we were just missing someone on the faculty! we talked about curriculum, teachers we each had - and some of the kids still have, drivers ed, and how funny it was that we each had this connection. the dinner wasn't planned around dalton or being a parent. a simple and enjoyable coincidence.
what strikes me is that i've always felt that even after graduating 33 years ago, i wouldn't hesitate to pick up the phone and call almost anyone from my class. there is a bind that ties you to your childhood and all those memories make such an impact. those years, and especially high school years, make an indelible imprint. the ups and downs of friendships. puberty. the faculty who were tough or kind or tough and kind. sats, college applications and graduation.
wwcd: appreciating the ability to look back and enjoy the memories
you are a fortunate person, indeed. lovely to appreciate that.
ReplyDeletefrom aunt judy...
ReplyDeleteI envy you and all your memories and friendships. I believe this is more prominent in private schools verses public. yes we make friends and some of those friendships last, if u are lucky. of all my relationships, through public till college, only one very special friend stayed in my life. she and I were friends through our school life and continued through our marriages, births of our children and continued until her very untimely death. I visited her all thru her illness...she lived in the Carolinas and we were so very close. never have had a friendship like that again. friendships like that are the best. at older ages and condo living presents a huge diversity of ladies, men, all with a tremendous amount of issues. I am being kind using the word issues. suffice it to say, the pickins are slim. I am blessed with the friends I have both in Dallas and here. Dallas are real friendships - here are temporary. I rather be alone than sit and join in the gossip.
Have a blessed holiday....happy and healthy new year.