The Last Day

Who remembers the last day of school? Yeah, I don’t recall much either. I began reflecting the other day, because that’s what we authors do, reflect, during dismissal at the school where I’m employed. I searched the outgoing faces, mainly the fifth graders to see if it had hit them, yet. That moment that smacks square in the heart.

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This is it. I won’t be coming back here.

My finale at Robinson High School occurred, strolling across the football field, (which is no longer used, by the way), happened in late May, back in 1976. Forty-one years ago, if you’re not inclined to do the math.

My graduating class was small compared to today’s standards. Everyone knew everyone. We were considered a good group of kids, and in spite of the normal secluded social circles and cliques, we were a fairly close knit bunch. [image error]

I wasn’t considered a good student. Most of the classes bored me, and I found myself daydreaming instead of paying attention, and my grades showed my lack of interest.

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Nor I did I participate in a lot of activities. I did join band in the sixth grade and stayed throughout my time at RHS. Yep, I was a band nerd. I also made the color guard team, and those two organizations took up a bulk of my spare time.

As far as popularity went, I wasn’t considered a part of the “in” crowd, although I don’t think I was unpopular, either. I had friends, many good ones, and yes, I even went out on a few dates.

Most of my personal occurrences were due to my choices, even if didn’t realize I made the decisions, and my lack of involvement had little impact on my life after I left school. Overall, my time in the classroom/hallways left a positive mark in the memory bank, and even if I don’t remember that final day, I do have many fond memories, especially with great friends. These were kids I grew up with. I unrealistically assumed these people would always be a part of my life.

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Only they weren’t. Once I moved from the area, I lost touch with most. I’m fortunate to have kept a handful for the last four plus one decades.

Social media, opened up a new way to reconnect, and I’ve resumed many alliances through FB and other venues. We’ve also held reunions and those were wonderful. We caught up, but after the few hours were over, and the buzz of excitement wore off, we went back to our busy lives. As one former classmate and I discussed after a reunion, we just don’t have much in common anymore.

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But that’s okay. We grew up, like we were supposed to. We moved on. Sadly, quite a few have passed on, and we are left holding onto what was dear, and the rest we let go.

I hope those who are going forward and into a new life, will take the time to contemplate and remember. Because some day they’ll understand. They won’t be passing this way again.

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Robinson High School

The Class of 1976

[image error]  My friends, I will remember you, think of you, pray for you.

And when another day is through, I’ll still be friends with you.