Being privy to our innermost thoughts….

The reunion committee met on Saturday, Jun 25. I thoroughly enjoy every time we meet because it is a mini-reunion in itself. We discussed reunion business, but also real-talk. I would like to share one topic that dominated the conversation because it is relevant to the upcoming reunion, which could very well be our last.

It is no secret that class reunions are on the decline. We had frank discussions regarding the multitude of reasons: technology, the recent recession, just plain old lack of interest in nostalgia and reconnecting with friends. Technology dominated the conversation (more on this). The impact of the recession is what it is and we can’t make the reunion free of charge, so we understand this reasoning. Lastly, as for the lack of interest, there is nothing anyone can do to change a person’s heart….So, back to that dreaded “T” word!

Technology has helped family and friends get reconnected and stay in touch, and many of you believe this is good enough. Most of us admit we love seeing the photos and status updates from all 999 friends…HA! I love people watching, and I often wonder how many times one of the 999 passed before me and I never recognized them as a friend. Sorry, I digressed.

An actual reunion boils down to this, technology vs reality. Facebook, nor Twitter, nor Snapchat will ever be an adequate substitution for human connection. In reality, you see and appreciate people for who they really are and not their virtual selves, in reality you see the joy or feel the pain that you otherwise will not see in the edited virtual version. What I know to be true is that in life happiness and sorrow is inextricably linked, and no one person will have one without the other. Here is another truth that I’ve acquired through years of living (aka, wisdom) and have come to appreciate as I get older; relationships are the greatest joy, to help celebrate your successes or, more importantly, hold you up in times of despair. Yes, you are flooded with the congratulatory or condolence sentiments on Facebook, but.....is that enough to sustain you?