Exactly 50 years ago tonight, 92 classmates and I walked across a stage set up in the gym of Lonoke High School and became high school graduates. My clearest memory of that day is that my friend Ed was absolutely sure that I would cry during graduation and I was sure that I wouldn't. At the end as we all stood to file out of the gym, I leaned out so that Ed, who happened to be on the same row, could see my smile to assure him that I was NOT crying. It is ironic that today, 50 years later, thinking about that night almost brings me to tears. Nostalgic tears! The dictionary definition of nostalgic is "A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations." That perfectly describes how I feel when I think of our graduation day.
I have seen a post going around on Facebook with the simple question, 'If you had the chance, would you relive your high school years?" The overwhelming answer to that on-line question has been NO. For me, the answer would be no, unless I could somehow go back to high school with the wisdom I've learned over the last 50 years. I would be less worried about being popular and more worried about being kind and inclusive. I would study harder and practice piano and flute more. Just thinking of being with my Moma and Daddy in our little house on Depot Street gives me a wave of joy. I'd treasure them more, listen to them more, spend more time with them making memories. Of course, going back isn't possible so all I can do is go forward filling my current life with kindness, hard work, and love so that I am making memories that my family will treasure.
What of the class of 1971? Thanks to Pam Cordell Landis and the other good people who live in Lonoke and plan our reunions, we have had one every 5 years. The reunions have kept us friends. In fact, in some ways without the drama of high school, we are even better friends now. I look forward to these reunions so much. I just love the compassionate, welcoming, fun adults we have become.
50 years ago when we walked across that stage we were innocents with no idea of where our lives would take us. We've gone to college, had careers, retired, gotten married, some have divorced, some have had children and grandchildren. Some have traveled far and wide while others have stayed close to home. Financial success has been the lot of some, while others have struggled. We've buried parents and siblings and spouses and, at an alarming rate, are now burying classmates. (9 in the last 5 years). That fact alone makes each reunion precious.
The words of the song that Tommy Smith sang at our graduation are much more appropriate for our class than we would have ever imagined as 17 or 18 year old kids. As a member of the Class of 1971, I'll never have to walk alone even though I live thousands of miles away. I know I can always turn to the friends that I have known, literally all of my life and they will be there for me.
When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of a storm
There's a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark
Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone
Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone
The Lonoke High School Alma Mater has a phrase, "When we leave you, we will grieve you. You'll always be our greatest pride". I'm proud to be a 1971 graduate of Lonoke High School.
