I’m writing on the flight from Manchester, New Hampshire, basking in memories of a glorious 25th reunion. I just pulled out the green list of attendees and realize that I can’t possibly begin to report on the antics of this record-breaking group. So instead of dropping names in this final column, I am indulging in a personal debriefing. I hope something in these lists rings true for those who were there or lends insight for those who weren’t.


List 1, “Things That I Regret”: some friends couldn’t make it because of family duties, work or health; choosing not to barge over and interrupt a few groups of classmates I spied across the tent or across the street to say hello—turned out to be my only chances to connect; only having time for a quick hug and hello for some folks on my “must-see list” or not finding some of them at all; and not being able to stay up all night anymore.


List 2, “Things for Which I’m Grateful”: a friend willing to do a U-turn out of the Fun Run to join our walk in the other direction around Occom Pond; being oblivious during college about sticky bathroom floors, funky dorm carpet odors and the organic patina of Greek basements; classmates who wait in the bar line with you even though they already have their drink or help you find your dorm key or hand out earplugs to those staying near the class tent; the shared illusion that we all look the same; people who can make you laugh so hard that you cry, and don’t shy away from humor involving body parts or body functions; the unchanged beauty and fragrance of the path to the river and the trail behind the golf course; friends who brought old photos that document the effects of too much winter, studying, beer and ice cream on our plump and pasty young faces; the honesty of classmates who shared marriage woes or startup misfires or social dramas of their teenage daughters; a language study abroad photo album showing our group draped over each other like happy puppies in many locations throughout Germany; the many people who organized this celebration—going beyond the usual hard work and adding ’88 touches such as morning yoga, sushi stations and inspiring panel discussions; the beautiful weather; the bells of Baker Tower; and the admissions staff in 1984.


Cheers.


—Jane (Grussing) Lonnquist, 4510 Drexel Ave., Edina, MN 55424; jjlonnquist@earthlink.net