Last weekend my sister-in-law called to tell me that my brother did not want to go to their 20 year reunion.  They were high school sweethearts.  She, however, had been long making plans with friends and was very excited about the prospect of catching up with old high school buddies.

They live out of town and had made plans to come and stay with us. We could watch their kids while the went to the different events.

Friday night arrived and they did, too.  My sister-in-law went off with a girl friend to the pre-party party. My brother stayed back with us and made plans to meet up later. He was not enthusiastic about it and there was a 50-50 chance he was not going to go.

He ended up going and had a great time.  When the big party came on Saturday evening, he was ready to don the suit and head out the door.

I feel like many people are reluctant to go to their high school reunions, but I would say GO!  You have nothing to prove. It is a great time with no pressure...you had no plans to see most of these people  ever and you no longer care what they think of you.  You are released from the bondage of your high-school-self and can just be who you have become. 

When I went to my reunion, I found it really interesting to see who these friends and frenemies (to coin one of my daughters words) have become.  Some will surprise you.  The really awkward guy in my science class had become a really successful lawyer. The name badges with your senior photo on them are a must-have.  It is fun to look at the hair styles (or for some of the men, the hair that is no longer there) and see how we have all changed.

As I watch my kids navigate high school, I remember how hard it can be.  Your reunion is a chance to see how we all survived, and thrived, in the real world!