We had such a wonderful time at the reunion a few years back that we didn't see why we had to wait another decade to get together. A couple awesome people (Frank, Alicia, Sharon, Bryan) really took the ball and ran with it and threw together one hell of a fun night to celebrate a milestone birthday. We were all slowly but surely turning 40. Impossible, right?!? I mean...come on...it was just yesterday we were dancing to Rock Lobster in the gym.
We gathered at a swanky little place called 900 Park in the Bronx. We ate. We had some cocktails. WE DANCED. I don't see a dance floor and leave it empty for long and I don't mind having to pull a few people along with me. This turned into a night of singing, laughing, catching up and photo bombing. Yep, I was the obnoxious one stealing a chance to pop into a photo or two...or fifty. There was also a moment of pure magic when we gathered in a big circle with arms around one another and sang our old song. "Don't You Forget About Me" still sounds pretty darn good all of these years later. Back in our teens we had no idea how rough life might get. We didn't know about the journey ahead...we were dumb kids. Now, we are bonding over those tougher times. We are sharing experiences. We are applauding the successes and supporting the failures. And we can still rip up a dance floor! Also, in a twist of irony, I made some new friends. I would like to thank them for meeting up with me now and yell at them for taking so long.
A little side note from the blogger:
This event happened a while back now but I was behind on posts and then lost power when Sandy hit. I like to try to write as soon as my new thing happens so that feelings and experiences are fresh. I try to convey what I am getting out of the moments not just report the facts. I try to be vulnerable and it is hard to do when weeks have gone by. For this particular post I would like to say that I am sort of happy I waited. This past week we survived a storm. I say survive because many lost their lives. Neighbors, friends and families have suffered...are STILL suffering. People have lost everything and others are still struggling with the challenges of taking care of a family with not just the conveniences but the basics like water, food, heat and light. We bonded this past week. We grew up a little bit more yet again. Many of you reached out to me and I'm sure to countless others with words of inspiration and encouragement. Some of you have even started to help others by donating time or money.
It is also Election Day. I have watched a diplomatic and respectful group of classmates state the importance of the vote without ever compromising my opinion or the voice of others. We respect that we have our own viewpoints and honor the ones of our peers as well. We have been a classy little group from the dirty little Boogie Down and I would like to say thank you. Somewhere in the halls of a high school full of kids we learned that compassion and service is a top priority. We learned that people all have a right to believe in a system and the option to make that choice. We learned that for all of our differences we are really all very alike...and no storm....no political candidate...nothing...can take away the pure feeling of love for life that we were encouraged to develop.
Thank you fellow classmates for making me believe more now than ever!
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