Homecoming

Yesterday I attended my college homecoming and had the opportunity to see many faces from the past. Some I remembered, others I did not. All in all it was a good day. The sun shined brightly and the air was brisk. Mekhi and I were able to spend time with my two best friends and their children. All was lovely in Cutie Booty World.

Real friends and former students of mine wrapped me in a warm cocoon of fond memories. Had I been alone, I would have stayed much longer. But the sheer enjoyment of tailgating at a super deluxe RV, margarita in hand (make that two), was enough to keep me covered in happiness for a long time.

My one friend and I laughed when we saw the childless women teetering on thin heels - memories of those days long gone made us chuckle. Despite wearing loafers my feet are still blistered. I can't even image trying to wear heels and walk around for hours anymore.

A brief moment of enlightenment occurred when I saw someone that was once a friend but became an enemy. Despite past hurt I sucked up my pride and approached. I believe that forgiveness is best served unconditionally and until you are able to do it leave it and the offending party alone. While speaking with him I came to the realization that for some people it is better to fake amnesia then to deal with the consequences (self-imposed) of their actions.

In my younger years I would have called him on it but instead simply smiled and feigned my own amnesia. I realize that this was his way of dealing with painful memories. And if this makes him sleep better at night who am I to bring up the past? Seeing my face was enough to do that.

Apprehension about moments like that one kept me on the fence all morning about going to homecoming but I am glad I did. I was able to see old friends and deal with past demons, exhibiting my maturity in actions and gray hair. What more could you ask for on a lovely fall day? In my book it was perfect and symbolic of my personal growth over the past ten or so years. I plan on being at homecoming again next year. Perhaps next time I will grow even more.

Comments

San Diego Momma said…
Good for you. I tend to be immature in those situations (surprised? I though not.), but I'm glad you were the bigger person.

I could learn from you, CBC!
Tiffany said…
What a great day!

Isn't the maturity life brings amazing?
Michele said…
Sounds like a fun time. I have such a hard time faking amnesia, so I could learn something from you!
CG said…
I should take a page from your book concerning my high school reunions. I had a horrible experience in HS and I just don't want to be faced with those people. I did go to my 5th year (ages ago) and most of the people had "amnesia" about how they treated me...so I said I'd never go to another reunion. And I haven't.
Lisa R Charles said…
Days like these are priceless! I'm glad you enjoyed it the way you did.
Dori said…
I'm glad that you had a good time. :-)
Erin said…
Isn't it amazing how maturity and growth can bring a new perspective? I've been there before, too, and a younger me may have called said person on amnesia, but I've realized that there are times when it's easier to juts let it all go.
Dawn said…
It sounds like a great day! I am glad you went and handled yourself very well!! Sometimes it makes us feel better, amnesia or not, to get past some of those old feelings. Good job! Glad you had such a nice time.
I think you are the wise one and sometimes it is hard to fake amnesia but I think it shows signs of wisdom.
Lisa @ Serah's said…
Lovely story. I'm glad you handled the situation very well. I'm glad you enjoyed your homecoming. Now you have me looking forward to mine.
cheth said…
oh I just discovered your blog through entrecard i must say i really like your pages :)
Gem said…
That's really big of you...for some people (myself included) it's just really hard to let go of the past, but I'm sure it feels really good when you do actually let go and move forward.

We really can become wiser as we get older huh =).

BTW--what gray hair? =)
Barbara said…
Very good for you! Glad you had a good time.
Anonymous said…
Sounds like a great day! I've never been to a school reunion, we don't use to do them in Italy. Have a happy evening / Monday! :)
Jenni said…
I am glad you had a good time! I have never gone to my homecoming because I just have too many bad college memories. :-/
Unknown said…
the image of women walking around in stilettos sounds similar to what i witnessed when i was home last weekend for homecoming. lol @ "teetering" cause that's what most of them were doing.

so glad you enjoyed yourself and was able to realize growth in the process. :-)
It's always good to let bygones be bygones.. I mean, it doesn't work in all situations, but it always feel good to take that first step towards a former enemy or frenemy.. and watch the dawning surprise in their face...

BTW you've been tagged @ my blog :)
anymommy said…
You already seem beautiful, inside and out, to me, but I'm glad you had such a good time and faced down those demons.
*Tanyetta* said…
It's always nice to reconnect with old friends. You're right, it's best to just let the other stuff go.
T.Allen said…
Good for you, admirable restraint and poise! (I'm glad I was homeschooled, just reading about it fills me with anxious energy.)
CaraBee said…
I went to our high school reunion (which included going to the homecoming football game) a couple of weeks ago and had much the same experience. It's interesting to bring up those old memories. Good for you for being the mature one!
Wow, that sounds like a great event to attend. I agree with you on the faking amnesia. Just makes things a lot easier and after all, we are grownups right?? I laughed too at the part of the childless woman in skinny heels! Oh those were the days... I can't do anymore unless I am at a formal function for no more than 4 hours. I think I would have a slight bit of anxiety to see my old schoolmates. I have a sordid past!
Girl, I'm still working HARD on this. Thanks for the example!
Unknown said…
It's interesting how some people deal with (or don't deal with) the past, isn't it? I've always had the assumption that people want to grow and learn from the past and become better people in the end, but time and time again I'm shown that that is not in everyone's plan. Although I suppose everyone is on a different journey and a different time table, and who am I to question whether they're ready for a 'lesson'? I think you did the right thing though--I admire your determination to look something difficult in the eye!
Anonymous said…
It's interesting how some people choose to deal with (or not deal with) the past, isn't it? I've often assumed that everyone wants to learn and grow from the past and become a better person in the end, but that is clearly not always the case. And I suppose everyone is on a different journey and a different time table, and isn't ready for their "lesson" when I think they should be! I think you did the right thing though. I admire your determination to look a difficult situation in the eye!
Aracely said…
I'm still too pretentious for all of that... I wish I wasn't because I'd love to see old friends, but I am. Glad you enjoyed yourself.
Time is like water under the bridge. Dude probably did forget because he has been busy doing others wrong. They are more fresh in his mind.
Carrie and Jim said…
You, my friend are living the way we all should. With grace and strength. I loved reaching the point when I was over myself and others who burned me. We were young and stupid, I can't blame them for their lack of maturity, I wasn't mature myself.
Unknown said…
You handled that so well. I am not sure if I could have been so mature and forgiving. Glad you had a good time!
MaricrisG said…
you are so brave! I bet he was flabbergasted that you actually approach him! Kudos to you girl!
My 15 year high school reunion is coming up and I have this one person who was my...UGH I couldn't STAND her. I like the amnesia and smile approach. Then maybe a swift kick to the...oops.
Jaime said…
Good for you! I am impressed. I usually just avoid or duck and cover...I guess I could learn a lot from you.:)
Anonymous said…
Oh, what a dope! I thought Blogger ate my original comment, so I tried to repeat what I said but couldn't remember it word for word. Sorry for the repeat.
Unknown said…
Isn't it amazing how much difference a little patience, forgiveness, charity--even SILENCE can bring. My father always says, "youth is wasted on the young." I'm finally getting it. And still considering myself young enough to try some of it on....

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