As my voice said hello,my heart was saying goodbye.

Hi All,
I attended my 50 year high school class reunion in Port Huron Michigan the weekend of July the 23rd.I shared the "Lady Huron"cruise on Thursday, from the St.Clair river to the mouth of Lake Huron and back; viewing the many changes of the shoreline of my home town.I relived memories of the time spent, at the various sites where my classmates and I "played" in our youth. Friday night we gathered at the Black River Country Club for an evening of socializing,reminiscing,eating and being entertained by one of our very talented classmates who led us with his piano and voice expertise in dancing and singing various songs from our time past,of course including our school song.Saturday we met for lunch at "The Pavilion" on St.Clair river and viewed a slide show from past reunions,along with a time of remembrance for those classmates who have "gone" before us.
I took some personal time,that day, to spend with one of my classmates and her husband to tour their new home on the lake.I am very happy for their good health,along with their families and the many blessings they have in their life.
How can I describe the joy in my heart,the "youth"brought back to my mind and body,if only for a weekend?I have known most of my classmates from the time I was 6 years old.Part of the foundation for what I was to become as a man was based on our shared experiences.
Think of all the physical,mental and spiritual growth we all go through from the time we are 6 years old through the time we are 17 years old;the being accepted or not,the physical growth changes[puberty],the bonding with other males,the attraction to that other gender "girls",the spiritual awakening,helped by our "Immaculate Heart of Mary" Nuns, that we were created by God,with my own questions of:what are His plans for me?,am I ready to listen?,where do I fit in the whole scheme of things?
I am sure that some of my classmates had,at least a fleeting thought that this reunion will be the last time we see some of those around us.I know my thought process regards my earthly mortality,as well as,my spiritual readiness has been enhanced since my diagnosis of cancer.My Friday evening was a kaleidiscope of sweet memories,the first day of school with it's fear of the unknown and experiences to come,the first date,the first kiss,the first rejection,the first "pick up" basketball game in the driveway,of my soon to be life long friends,the first dance lessons and holding a girl in your arms,the beach parties,the dances at the Y.M.C.A.,the "Deck"at Pine Grove Park,at the "Dome" in the north end of town,the "parking"at Lakeside beach with the current "love of my life",the weekend adventures with the "corporation"[my 3 best friends],the participation in the "Hornet"sports programs;to include track,football and basketball with it's great victories and bitter defeats;both as a team and individually,the unrealized personal potential from too much nervousness when given the chance;in other words,all of lifes experiences starting as a 6 year old to a 17 year old teenager.Most of the classmates I shared these times with were at the reunion and, in my own way,I relived their part in all of these things and thanked them in my heart for being part of the tapestry of my life.
I, like all of us,don't know what the future will hold,but I know God has blessed me with a rich and rewarding life surrounded by family and friends who love me.
I have chosen God's house,many years ago for the balance of my earthly walk and I thank Him for giving me these precious friends and the memories of times shared that always brings a warm smile to my face.
Until next time,God bless,Joe