Gratitude

When I attended my high school homecoming, my heart was filled with gratitude. There were so many happy memories from fifty years ago.

On Friday afternoon, I toured the building, remembering where Norval helped boys in wheelchairs navigate the stairs, reminiscing how we decorated the interior of our lockers, recalling how Jim and Tom kept us laughing as we studied grammar.

The next day, we met in the gym for a church service, sang the school song, and then laughed and talked some more. During lunch at Bonnie’s house, a few of us heard that the official homecoming lunch was facing some challenges.

As we ate burgers and potato salad, we reminisced.

Our friendship had begun long before high school.

We met in first grade—and now we were all grandparents.

Over the years, we played with dolls and dodgeball, studied French, sewed, biked, discussed arthritic knees, and concocted meals.

We knew each other’s parents, a delight at our age! We participated in one another’s weddings and even watched—online—our grandchildren being dedicated.

That afternoon, we expressed gratitude for our long-term friendship.

Later, our small group joined other classmates at Roberta’s home for more conversation and food. The table was laden. Hummus, veggies, and samosas jostled with three kinds of salad. The room was full of almost seventy-year-olds who laughed and suddenly became seventeen again. “How was the official lunch?” I asked several classmates.

Tom replied, “The service was slow, and the portions were small.” But Helen countered, “It was perfect.” “You are kidding,” responded Jeanne.

Tom and Roy raised their eyebrows in disbelief.

“Perfect?” “Yes, perfect,” Helen insisted. “We had plenty of time to talk to classmates as we waited to be served. And because there was not much food, I did not overeat. I am hungry tonight, and look at this spread!” She began to fill her plate.

We all smiled, and as we dished up, I resolved to be grateful not only for the obvious blessings but also for the ones that are more difficult to appreciate.

I want to be thankful always!

Denise Dick Herr