Lifers

Had the opportunity to have dinner last night with the spousal unit and five of her high school classmates.  We were on our way back from from a day trip and the six, all originally from the Greenwood area decided to meet up in Grenada.  Kinda special for five to go out of their way to meet up with a fellow classmate for a meal and fellowship.

These six are just a few from the Pillow Academy class of 79 that usually gather when several "out of towners" make a visit to the old stomping grounds.  Word spreads and before you know it, their old band is back together for another evening of catch up.

In a matter of minutes the conversations pick up from their last gathering.  Everybody goes down the list:  health is good, kids are fine, car died, new boat already has a hole in it, did you hear about so & so, and what are you going to order?  Some, its all about the grandkids, others have one finishing college, while still others have one just an incoming freshman.  Big laugh about being empty nesters, then chuckles for those who's nest will never be empty for one reason or another.

It was refreshing to be a bystander.  To watch the interaction between these life long friends was my reward for being married to one of these lifer's.  I felt kinda special, being the only "outsider" allowed into the inner circle of this friendship.  I didn't have this growing up, so I soak it up when I get the chance to see it.

Before you knew it, three hours had past.  The plates were cleaned, and the margarita glasses were now empty. No new cures for cancer were found, and politics and current events had been left at the door.  The circle of life for these 79'ers has been completed one more time. .  Today's session was done.  The tab was paid, and goodbyes were said in the parking lot.

I hope I get another opportunity to witness another gathering of these 79'ers, friends for life!