Published: November 02, 2009 07:59 pm         

Ms. Takes: Really old folks enjoy a reunion

Seems like only yesterday that my class at Yorkville High got together to check out how we had changed in 50 years.

I remember Marcia coming back from the “ladies” to announce that there was a group of “really old folks” celebrating 65 years since graduation in the next room. We all had a chuckle and congratulated each other in looking darned good! Oh sure, there was more gray hair — or in some cases, little hair at all — but by and large we were still in good shape.

This year, we were the “really old folks” and it is amazing how perspective changes.

Marcia wasn’t there. She and Mark were moving into a retirement community. Nanette and Jean didn’t make it either, because they both died in the intervening years. But, when my invitation came, my Best Friend didn’t object when I said I’d like to go.

Of my 12 classmates (out of 30 something) who attended, most were readily identifiable and needed no introduction when they came in, cold and rosy-cheeked from riding on the class float in the homecoming parade. Bob even wore his old letter sweater, reminding us all of past achievements.

A special bonus for me was that Gilda came this time. She had not been to the 50th, but she was there with her older sister along with two daughters and a son-in-law. In fact, there were more care-givers and children in attendance than classmates, but personalities don’t change.

Gilda’s sister, Carol, had played the organ at our wedding and was one of the three Hasemeyer girls. Gilda and I had been best friends since second grade. Our playhouse was the upstairs of the “barn” behind their home. When it was too hot to play up there, or too cold, we played inside.

If Carol played with us, it was pinochle. If she scorned our kid stuff, we played paper dolls or wound up their old Victoria and hunted out favorite records. We’d let it wind down so voices sounded as if they were coming from the bottom of a barrel, then wind it up again for real laughs.

On a good day, Mr. Hasemeyer made caramels!

Gilda alone was worth the trip, but it all came together because three or four of the faithful spent hours planning and writing and compiling new addresses, well-wishes from friends who lived too far and pictures sent with regrets.

It was unanimously agreed the committee should do it again for our 70th. We should be “really, really old folks” by then.