12 October 2007

How does 20 years pass so quickly?

No, it's not a wedding anniversary. (I wish!)

Today, in the beautiful town of Clarksville, Arkansas, the graduating high school class of 1987 is gathering together for our 20 year reunion. Although I am not with them, it still makes me a bit nostalgic.

I went to the same school from kindergarten through graduation. So many memories in those 13 years, and most of them good as I was a happy kid. I remember successes and failures, and the things that shaped my life - formed me into who I am today. I remember characteristics from kindergarten that continue even today!

I remember doing really stupid stuff (like rubbing our hands with erasers in 5th grade), and trying to see how much we could get by with without the teachers finding out. I remember when I made fun of other kids, and I remember when they made fun of me. I remember being shy, but once you got to know me....a motor mouth (see, some things stay the same!)

I also remember -
  • joining the band...a journey that made me love music and created long-lasting friendships.
  • making a robot in 8th grade with my friends...the beginning of a love for technology and a step along the way that helped me believe in myself.
  • learning how to write in Mrs. Usery's English class. She loved to teach, and it made me love to learn (even though I wasn't the best of students - but I guess it doesn't matter now - I'm now working in the field of education!)
  • working in high school, so that I could buy my first car...the job in the local hardware store was one of the best things for me - where I learned about life, and how to fix stuff! I will forever be grateful to the Cecil family (and my dad for getting the job for me!).
  • being too shy to sing or act in a school play...and now regretting that I didn't do it because I love singing & the theatre.
  • so many friends. We had lots of fun together, learned from each other, did good & bad things together, but ultimately loved on each other as only high school kids can.
Do I want to go back to high school? Absolutely not! But I'm thankful for the journey that God has taken me on, the people he's allowed me to meet, and the lessons that I've learned along the way.

This post is dedicated to the CHS Class of 1987. Go Panthers Go!

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