Since September 13, I have attended three reunions. Autumn seems to be the time for old friends to get together. Perhaps it is the nostalgia of the autumn season that triggers this phenomenon. I really am not sure why this is the case.

From September 13 - 15, 2005 Mary and I attended the Pennsylvania Reunion of all those from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who spent winters past at Ramblers Rest Resort, Venice, FL. The reunion was held at Lake Raystown in central Pennsylvania. We all had a good time for several days sharing stories from the past as well as catching up on family current events. We partook of good food and spent time chatting around a campfire.

Today, October 1, 2005, Mary and I and our daughter Ellen attended the annual Horst reunion. My mother was a Horst and at least since I was a small child, we held an annual reunion. We gather together for a pot luck dinner. We also share stories from the past and catch up on what is happening within our families. Of course as an extended family, we also share a bond of love with each other. My own feeling is that we need to find our place in the bosom of those who care and care deeply about each other.

Now, yesterday, September 30, 2005 Mary and I attended the 54th reunion of our High School graduation at Ephrata High School in 1951. We had a picnic at the pavilion of the Church of the Brethren in Ephrata, PA. I didn't get a count on the number present, but there were quite a few graduates and their spouses present. Many of our classmates are now deceased. Each reunion seems to add to that list. Some of our classmates were unable to attend, and others just don't care.

Besides another meal, we usually spend time sharing stories with those who were such close friends more than 50 years ago. This is a problem. First of all, we have all changed so much that we really cannot recognize many of our classmates, particularly those who have not attended recently. On top of that, we often could not remember the names of those we did recognize. In addition, our memories of the past are beginning to cloud. It seemed that this year we had fewer old stories to share. In years past, we shared with each other information about our vocations. Well, none of us are employed any longer. We're all in the same occupation. We are all retired! But for several hours we made small talk and then we all went home. There was talk of going on a trip next year. That sounds like fun, but I wonder what we will talk about for 4 days, if we have trouble talking with each other for one afternoon. Hmmm!! Come to think of it. What does it matter? At our age, we will probably talk about the same thing each day and no one will remember that we mentioned those same things the day before.

Good grief, I just realized that I have a 50th college reunion coming up next year. Then the whole cycle will repeat again. So, let's party, one and all. Happy reunion(s) everyone!!!!