School Reunion

Bonnie, Shirley McGirr, Deborah Shenher, Gwen Harper, Debbie Payant

I haven't seen these women since we graduated in 1973. I asked them if they had lived the life they had dreamt about? There were few things that inflated those dreams but happily we found larger arenas to grow.We saw some of our teachers who were hooked up to oxygen and in wheelchairs. We ran into old flames who didn't recognise us and who obviously had run out of gas a long time ago. We reminded each other of stories that made us laugh but mostly deny. One was how we staged a sit in at the school when we were in Grade 11 appealing to the teaching staff to allow us a smoking room. Inspired by Kent State and anti-Vietnam protesters, we convinced the entire student body to not go to class after lunch. We all sat in the hallway blocking entrance to the doors. We sang. We chanted. We were defiant and brazen. Not one of us smokes now but at the time that was really important. 

We took the picture and then dispersed. We didn't share emails or phone numbers. No need crossing any paths.  Perhaps in another 40 years we'll be ready to take that step.