How do you measure the past 10 years?
I wasn’t at all interested in finding the answer, but after much yelling, kicking, screaming, tugging, pulling, and mind torture, I finally succumbed to the convincing authority of KJ and reluctantly came to our high school reunion.
The idea of reminiscing with the Class of 1996 of Gulf Breeze High School didn’t at all appeal to me, and I figured that was a chapter in my life that had concluded.
But now is the time to eat crow (which is not so bad with a dash of Tabasco)…. I actually had a great time!
Lunch at Flounder’s on the beach was was festive as we all set the stage up on the latest happenings in our lives as we exchanged subtle details of a standard checklist:
- Job
- Location
- Marriage/Engaged/Dating/Single
- Children
- College major/study
It was like a three-in-one singles mixer, Business After Hours, and speed dating combination, with pumping adrenaline and booze to cut any anxiety.
The night was more relaxed at Crabs as we all reminisced about the past and little spurts of dancing and singing under the clear skies and the tranquil Gulf . It was a whirlwind of memories--- Oriole Beach, the “quarter trick” during Mr. Pitts’ homeroom, hair caught in the printer, 3rd Grade Math Team, sneaking out, teachers dancing on the desk, talent shows, homecoming, proms, the “Proper,” “down the highway,” the 939ners—and unfortunately…. yours truly as Santa Claus.
And the night ended in the morning where many nights ended back in school… the Waffle House.
What I imagined would be a day of snickers, sneers, and shallow boastfulness, turned out to be a time of genuine camaraderie. No matter what path we took, the college we attended, the person we married, or the job we’re working… there was no feeling of competition. Gone was the teen angst, the insecurity, the self-esteem issues, and petty bickering and what was found were respectable young adults.
So, back to the question…. how do you measure the past 10 years?
Well, to each his or her own. You can’t compare mangoes with kiwis.
Everyone of the Class of 1996 from Gulf Breeze High School has had different accomplishments these past 10 years. I’ve always thought success is relative, that it’s only measurable by the standards you place on it. From my own view, I saw success in everyone there that night—in great deeds, in new families, and overall happiness.
