It’s hard to fathom being out of school 40 years. It doesn’t seem like we’ve been out for that long. The Buffalo High School Class Reunion of 1982 is tonight. 

I can’t help but think back to those school years. All the different phases that you go through. We didn’t realize everything was constantly changing - life and us. We lived in the moment. 

The carefree days of elementary school, everyone was friends with everyone. Life was easy and learning was fun. Lunch and recess were the best. There were so many great teachers. We were just starting to show our real selves (characteristics) although we didn’t know what those really were. We were just kids.

Then come the awkward years of junior high. This is where you are trying to fit in. You discover that boys and girls really do like each other. Hanging around certain groups of people meant something. Could be for the good or not so good - just depends. Lunch became more of a social hour. 

Learning was coming on all levels. I’m convinced that during this time, the teachers were teaching us more than the subject but some life lessons. Our personalities started to emerge and acceptance was huge. I understood what a friend was and wasn’t.

High school, the big years were here. Everything we had been working towards. Finally, we were the cool ones. Little did we know.

Classes were harder and so was keeping good grades. The teachers really got you to think and challenged you to find your own ideas and keep an open mind. They were helping us to see our value and build confidence. I’m grateful and I’m sure many others are as well.

We discovered who we were; what was important and what wasn’t; popularity was something and dating was a big deal; we thought we knew and understood life. Our views were changing before our eyes although we didn’t know it. 

These were some memorable and fun years. Football games, homecoming, dances, prom and graduation. A time in our life that we would reflect on in the years to come. The days of our youth we would relive over and over. We now know, we were just tapping on the edge of life’s door.

Some of my classmates were neighbors; some were ones I went to church with; some I played sports with and so on.  I have some classmates that we get together a few times a year. We have been friends since the second grade. Social media has its perks and many of us keep in touch this way.

I have been to all the class reunions. Each one has been different. I’ve realized that we’ve come full circle and all life’s experiences have brought us back to the elementary years, where everyone is friends with everyone. Tonight, the Buffalo Class of 1982 reunites, embracing the memories and each other.