Reunions, Reconnection, Refreshment

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 NIV

I read the invitation with a smile and a pause. The words “60th class reunion” were almost incredulous, not that I didn’t know it was coming.

As I thought about traveling to upstate New York from South Carolina, my time was limited, so driving wasn’t practical. Flight schedules were inconvenient and the cost for some flights, ridiculously high. After a search, one worked, and I took off.

The reunion held more than trying to recognize people after 60 years and then giving a hug. Nametags helped😊. My two best friends and I had given each other charms when we graduated and we wore our bracelets. Bracelets still fit after sixty years (no comments). It was fun to reminisce, but we mostly caught up on how we spent our lives-raising children, careers, travel, enjoying grandchildren, deaths of parents and spouses, relocation, and retirement. The list of deceased classmates seemed painfully high to me. The years held a mix; some good, some hard. Life and time had passed.

I also spent time with family. It was a treat to see family movies made to DVD. My grandparents looked so young at their daughter’s wedding. And tears came to my eyes seeing my beautiful mother holding me as a toddler.

No visit is ever complete without a cemetery visit to my grandparent’s and parent’s graves. My brother and I added the words “They were great parents” to their headstones. Looking at the DVD and then reflecting on the dashes between birth and death dates, observers would have seen a hardworking plastic spoon life. We’ve often said, “They came to America with nothing, but gave us everything.”  For us, the value is beyond fine sterling silver; no price tag.

Linguine, calamari and other fishes comprise the traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner. We had Christmas in September, compliments of my brother’s preparation. We shared our meal around a table that held so many memories.

I also spent a special morning with my college roommate and lifelong friend. Our walk along the historic Erie Canal, gave us time to catch up where we last left off. She is an extraordinary cook and sent me off with homemade fried eggplant- a treat in our culture. Yes, sharing food with friends and family is an important part of our culture.

Every available minute was a gift. A short visit held long memories, and now tied with the bow of new ones.

I have a friend whose life trademark and action is “Do more.” And people did do more for me through their airport runs, transportation, and hospitality. My special Christmas dinner in September and homemade eggplant reflected give more.

But ultimately my weekend was wrapped with be more-the gifts of time and presence.

What about you? How have you experienced  “do more, give more and be more moments?”