[fintstone]

I was overseas and missed our first reunion (never even knew until my brother mentioned it much later). He and his friends were shocked when several women they considered unattainable came by and asked about me (thinking that we had some sort of thing/chemistry in high school). I would have been shocked as well...as I never knew they were interested in the least other than as a friend. They, in turn, were shocked when my brother told them that I was (happily) married the fall after we graduated. They did not even know I was dating my wife (who was older and had graduated).

My wife and I did go to my 30th as we had planned a trip there and adjusted the dates of our visit slightly (although living on the other side of the country). My brother and his wife were there as well. When we arrived, I thought we were in the wrong place. I did not recognize anyone and all were very, very old. Strangely, very few of the really, really popular (back in high school) showed up. Most were from what was considered the lower end of the popularity pool back in the day (as far as wealth, attractiveness, athleticism, etc.). It seems that many of them had not been too successful and really felt that a reunion would not be pleasant.

I had been somewhat popular across most of the different cliques/groups...but not exactly among the "rich and famous" coming from a poor family and only average in looks (but well above average on the athletic and "smarts" end of the spectrum)...and my wife and I looked about 10 years younger than our age while my small town peers looked about 10 years older than their age. We had travelled the world and done well...and were the "rock stars" of the event. Everyone recognized me and felt that I had changed little as I had gained little weight (and my hair was still intact with the same color and style)...and my older wife that few knew looked young/attractive enough that many thought her a trophy wife). I enjoyed it immensely once I began to figure out who everyone else was (many of them had kept in touch with each other). The folks that really seemed to have done well (financially) were those that left (like my brother and I) as there was little opportunity. Some for college and did not return and other for the military. Many of the really smart, but physically and socially inept returned to flaunt and revel in their success. There was a tribute set up to those of our class that had died...and it was quite a large group.

My work every day at the time was with a group of extremely successful, very well educated people from all over the world and I was accustomed to being relatively average. I enjoyed connecting with old friends and acquaintances very much and realized just how much had changed and how far we had come in 30 years...but was also saddened that some of my friends that had so much potential had achieved little due to lack of opportunity (and poor choices).

All-in-all, it was much better than I expected...and I wish they had held a 40th.