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Why Would I Go to My Class Reunion? By Charlie Goodge
There have been times when I was talking to others about school and the subject of a class reunion would come up, and invariably the comment would be made, why would I go to my class reunion? And to be honest, before I had attended mine, that was pretty much my thought. I had not been popular, I wasn’t an athlete, I didn’t participate in many activities, I wasn’t even a nerd; I was just there. I probably contributed less than anyone to the class, and in fact, I think my only goal in school was to graduate and get out, which amazingly I did. Many people had told me that the only ones who go to class reunions were snobs and cocky people who were trying to impress everyone with their accomplishments, and show off their successes, which I didn’t have a lot to be proud of. So why would I want to go to a class reunion? I am not sure what prompted me to go to my first reunion, nor can I remember which one it was, but I went. I had changed a lot since graduation. I wasn’t as shy or self-conscience as I had been in school, so I joined in and began to mingle. I talked to people that I had never talked to before, and they talked to me. They told me about what they had been doing and I told them about things that I had done. I found it to be so fascinating that I began to make a point to talk to everyone who was there. I didn’t always make it, but I tried. Even my wife, who didn’t know anyone, was made to feel very welcome and is always looking forward to the next reunion. Ever since then, I began to realize what a very unique class we were a part of. We were a large enough class to be diversified, and yet small enough that we knew everyone, at least by name, if not personally. We have leaders who are organized and simply get things done, and others who prefer the background. We have people with doctorate degrees and those who never went to college. We are excited about each one’s successes, and we are made to feel comfortable with our own. We have people who gone away to serve in the military and others who have never left their home town. We have some who have demonstrated tremendous courage, overcoming illnesses and family tragedies. We have people in every walk of life, and yet we come together as one. And I do mean one. I think I would have to say that our class, the class of 1960 at Girard High School, set the standard for class reunions. I am reminded me of a song written and performed by J.J. Heller entitled, “What Love Really Means”. The chorus goes, “Who will love me for me, Not for what I have done or what I will become, Who will love me for me, ‘Cause no one has shown me what love, what love really means.” The class of 1960 has shown what love really means, you are loved for you, and each one is treated so very special. We have created a bond with each other that will never be broken, and for that I am grateful. So if Anyone asks me, “Why do you go to your class reunion,” I can tell them, I was a member of the class of 1960 at Girard High school, and that is all that I have to say about it. Thank you all, Charlie Goodge Editor's note----Charlie is a lot more than he seems. Have a look at his biography. He is quite a guy. ED
Click here to begin with GHS Class of 1960's 52nd reunion and 70th birthday party. Click here for an important message from one of our classmates Judy Bixler reflects on the weekend Home page Program Sat Night Ed's meeting with Miss Schumm about the word UP |
