Reunion

It’s been forty years since I graduated from high school.  Nearly all of my Washington friends are those I met in school.  As expected, many drifted apart but some stayed close for the thirty-four years I’ve lived in Alaska.  When I decided to attend my forty year high school reunion, I was mainly concerned that I would see a bunch of old folks in attendance.  The truth was, everyone looked great and they seemed to be the same people as they were in high school.

As far as my time of being sick with myeloma, I certainly didn't bring it up but many heard about it and some were even surprised to see me, still breathing and relatively healthy.  There was a sad list of friends who didn't make it to the age of fifty-eight.  It was difficult to read those names, mostly because they died early and were wonderful people.  It was selfishly difficult because I knew that I could have and maybe should have been on that list.  I think having cancer and seeing people die around me doesn’t make me fear death but it certainly makes me cherish life.  I’ll fondly say goodbye to those who are gone but I’ll grasp the friendship of those who are living.  We’ll all cherish life together.

Goodbye to: Tommy, David, Ty, Dwight, Carrie, Richelle, Ann, Brett, Jim, Peter, Bill, Deanna, Charlie, Laurie, Ross, Greg, Kerry, Charles and Vernon.