Another class reunion is just ahead. Our high school class graduated in 1960 and has had a reunion every fifth year since. Chartiers-Houston High School, 20 miles southwest of Pittsburgh, had a small enrollment back then and it still small today. June 3, 2020 is scheduled to be the next one; perhaps our last. Most of us will be 78 years old before our reunion evening arrives.

From a graduating class of 122, we have confirmed the deaths of 24 classmates. When we gather, we will pause to honor the memories of those who have been lost. Additional losses have likely occurred but cannot be confirmed because some of our mates failed to keep in touch over the years.

Some will be absent because their health is fragile and they are unable to travel. Others will choose not to attend even though many still live in the area.

At $35/attendee, we estimate that about 35 classmates will attend. A few will come with their spouses; some of those were high school sweethearts. Others will attend alone having lost their spouse.

We will start the evening with a toast, eat a nice meal, share memories and photos, play the music we loved back then (thanks to Houston’s all volunteer radio station,  www.WAYBEE.us), dance a slow dance or two, share hugs as we say goodbye and shed a few quiet tears in the dark walk back to our cars.

Ours was a hell of a class. Ours were the best of times. It has been a wonderful ride.