I sort of forgot that I had promised to help plan a class reunion. My nursing class graduated in 1966. I cannot believe that I am this old! It will be 50 years in 2016 and I don't even feel like I am 50 years old.
We were not a close class. It was small but there were cliques. The funny part is that the group I hung with envied the group that had boyfriends in college (it was when we were 'trained' and lived in a residence). I am now friends with some of the gals I wasn't close to. It turns out that they envied us because we were independent and did our own thing. Perception. As 'mature women' we all get along now and cherish the bond we created so long ago. Despite our differences, we still have that 3 years.
We had our first reunion after 37 years. It was a bit humbling. I was a bit late arriving so ended up walking into a room full of women. Someone said "Okay Marlene, you are the last one so we want to know if you recognize us. Ouch! People change in 27 years! I went around the room. I was a bit shaky but I got them all. The only way I recognized Carol was the red hair! Luckily she hadn't turned gray.
The first reunion was in Thunder Bay where we all met trained, and survived 3 years of nursing education. The second was outside of Toronto, in Eastern Ontario, where the majority of the class live. We decided to celebrate our 50th in Alberta or British Columbia. So 3 of the 4 of us who live in Western Canada met this past week to to plan a Western reunion. We had a great time deciding where it should be. We thought a houseboat would be fun. But we would have had to share beds - we are beyond that! We are now looking at a resort with hot springs and gourmet food. It seems like most of us will be there.
We only have 11 of our class of 15 left. Four of our class have passed away. Mary died in Kenya - she was 24 years old. She fell in love and married David who had a farm there. She died from the complications of Lupus. Heather died in her 30s of Cancer. Leah died of Parkinsons Disease, and the last one to leave us was Judy who had a heart transplant, and then cancer. She was a fighter but lost the battle. We will honor all of them in some way. They are missed.
We had a variety of personalities in our class. Francie was/is the one who says it like it is. She does not sugar coat anything! As we were saying good bye at the last get together, she commented "I wonder how many of us will still be around for the next one". I told them that if I was not there they had better drink a lot of red wine in my honor!
I realize that I need to have a lot of distractions in order to cope. As soon as I have down time, I get really down. I get stressed, but seem to manage when I am busy. I worry about Joe, I worry about Andrew. and most of all, I worry about Cevyn.
The smoke from fires in British Columbia, Washington State and Montana is affecting most of Western Canada. I have had a headache and itchy eyes for several days. It has been windy this evening so I hope it clears. I just feel so sad for those who have lost everything.
Lisa: There are still times when I think "I need to call Lisa about this!". And then I am reminded again that you are not living in this realm. Please watch over your phenomenal daughter. She needs to know that she is loved. I miss you always and love you forever. Mummy
Enough of this commiserating.
We were not a close class. It was small but there were cliques. The funny part is that the group I hung with envied the group that had boyfriends in college (it was when we were 'trained' and lived in a residence). I am now friends with some of the gals I wasn't close to. It turns out that they envied us because we were independent and did our own thing. Perception. As 'mature women' we all get along now and cherish the bond we created so long ago. Despite our differences, we still have that 3 years.
We had our first reunion after 37 years. It was a bit humbling. I was a bit late arriving so ended up walking into a room full of women. Someone said "Okay Marlene, you are the last one so we want to know if you recognize us. Ouch! People change in 27 years! I went around the room. I was a bit shaky but I got them all. The only way I recognized Carol was the red hair! Luckily she hadn't turned gray.
The first reunion was in Thunder Bay where we all met trained, and survived 3 years of nursing education. The second was outside of Toronto, in Eastern Ontario, where the majority of the class live. We decided to celebrate our 50th in Alberta or British Columbia. So 3 of the 4 of us who live in Western Canada met this past week to to plan a Western reunion. We had a great time deciding where it should be. We thought a houseboat would be fun. But we would have had to share beds - we are beyond that! We are now looking at a resort with hot springs and gourmet food. It seems like most of us will be there.
We only have 11 of our class of 15 left. Four of our class have passed away. Mary died in Kenya - she was 24 years old. She fell in love and married David who had a farm there. She died from the complications of Lupus. Heather died in her 30s of Cancer. Leah died of Parkinsons Disease, and the last one to leave us was Judy who had a heart transplant, and then cancer. She was a fighter but lost the battle. We will honor all of them in some way. They are missed.
We had a variety of personalities in our class. Francie was/is the one who says it like it is. She does not sugar coat anything! As we were saying good bye at the last get together, she commented "I wonder how many of us will still be around for the next one". I told them that if I was not there they had better drink a lot of red wine in my honor!
I realize that I need to have a lot of distractions in order to cope. As soon as I have down time, I get really down. I get stressed, but seem to manage when I am busy. I worry about Joe, I worry about Andrew. and most of all, I worry about Cevyn.
The smoke from fires in British Columbia, Washington State and Montana is affecting most of Western Canada. I have had a headache and itchy eyes for several days. It has been windy this evening so I hope it clears. I just feel so sad for those who have lost everything.
Lisa: There are still times when I think "I need to call Lisa about this!". And then I am reminded again that you are not living in this realm. Please watch over your phenomenal daughter. She needs to know that she is loved. I miss you always and love you forever. Mummy
Enough of this commiserating.
Replies
So nice that you have these former classmates still in your life after so many years. I recently attended my 50th high school reunion and it was heartwarming so see so many old friends after so many years. They all had their stories to tell. As an old tv show about New york city used to say \"there are 8 million stories in the naked city and this is just one of them\".
I know what you mean about sharing a bed. I would be uncomfortable with that also.
Let us know how the reunion turns out.
I feel for you with having to deal with all the smoke from the fires. It is so tragic what is happening to so many people losing everything in the fires. It has been said that next to losing a loved one, the next worst thing that can happen is to lose your home. Sending hugs and love, Katrina
That\'s amazing that you all have kept in touch all these years. I totally understand about keeping busy to cope with the heart ache. For me it\'s my painting. We all need something for our minds to focus on or we would just go crazy with grief.
I loved reading about your classmates and reunions! So very interesting!
I\'m sorry about your classmates that died so very young. Sigh...
I sure hope you are feeling better from the effects of the fires. The whole situation is so very tragic.
Marlene, I also need distractions from going into the \"abyss\". Taking care of my grandson a few days a week really helps. He is true heart healer for me. My nights are rough though. That\'s when I tend to \"sink\". I still can\'t think of my son without feeling a stab of longing in my heart.
I hope your day is going well.
With love and tight hugs,
Diane
I also need distractions. The good thing is that I\'m old now, and am beginning to understand myself and my needs. Learning to be non-judgemental, and more \"taking care\" of my emotions. Back in therapy, with a smart, young, woman. She tells me to write to her when next I\'m too anxious. Nice dr.
You are such a love, Marlene, of course, you must have many friends and keep them close. Cevyn will soon be an adult, and be able to make her own choices and, hopefully, spend more time with you and Joe. Out of conflict. love, abby
Such a positive journal! I love your insight into ways of copping. Keep Busy. I am planning my attack for the continued house renovations when the weather cools down and I am out of this boot, also will restart my baby blanket making. Thank you for getting me to think of these things as it is helpful. Peace, Kathy
That sounds like fun. My regular high school reunion was at 10 yrs we never had another. I have lost contact with most of them. We live all over the US so it is hard to keep in touch, who knows who has new last names several times over LOL.
Hope all with well with Chevyn, is she coming this Oct or is she in class. Sending hugs to all
Penny
It is wonderful to be SO involved as you are and I think each of us must find our tools for this path. I like involvement, yet I also crave and need my quiet time too. My passion is to read and to listen to authors who resonate for me with their classes that they offer and many put freebies out there so I\'m always on the \"hunt.\" :)
We have a core group of HS friends who call themselves the \"Yo Yo\'s.\" LOL! They meet often and I\'ve been able to connect with two of them on my past trips to NYC when my dad was earth side and two of them came to his service. It meant the world to me. What a JOY that you remain in touch with these wonderful friends.
Oh, how I remember the smoke when I lived in Utah and send my prayers to all affected. There was a thick orange haze that often settled across the valley and it was awful to be breathing.
I appreciate your journal, Marlene, and enjoy reading about ALL the ways that you serve, connect and nurture yourself.
Lots of love and no grass growing under those feet of yours that\'s for sure! :)
XO Joanie
How fun to still get together with friends and classmates after all these years. We had all that smoke about a week ago and I too had the itchy eyes and it was horrible. I can\'t even imagine the people in the state. Enjoy those grand kids and know that Lisa is watching. Much love. Robn
I love reunions...and I, like you, need distractions to keep my head above water...
Your journals are always so interesting. I understand the need to be distracted!! When I slow down and face reality, it really sucks, lol... I just spent a week in Atlanta, with my daughter. I got home yesterday and today I am already depressed and running around in my gown. Oh well, it is what it is!!
Enjoy the reunion and cherish the memories.
((((HUGS)))), Julia
I love reading your jounals. I find them so interesting and you give me hope that there are other things to keep myself busy to keep the \"blues\" and worries away. (if only for a moment) Enjoy the reunion - I\'m sure you will enjoy yourself. (((hugs))) Vicki