Reunion

33 years ago I buckled my shoes and followed my brother to Fairfax elementary to begin 13 years of school in the Cleveland Heights system.
Many of the children I met that day stayed with me the whole way through. Some have died and some moved on while we were young. A small few I still see on a regular basis.
As we ascended to middle and then high school we were joined by others kids. By 1986 my class had grown to 1200 students.
In June of '86 our class had concluded our journey together. Some Started working, many went to college, some went into military service, some went to jail, and a few of us were asked to return for another year.
I was included in this group. I had attendance issues.
Fast forward 20 years.
Friday, while enjoying reggae at the Grog Shop, Mike whom I had seen a few months back at Matt's funeral, asked if I was coming to the 20 reunion.
Apparently you fall off the list by not making it to graduation. I do have my diploma and spent 13 years with these people. But I had not been invited.
Mike told me to go anyway. He was a class leader so I decided to go and not feel insulted or snubbed(thanks Mike).
Immediately I turned to my friend Maggie who witnessed the exchange and asked " wanna go?" to which she responded,"Hell Yes".
Saturday morning I ran into my closest friends from school. including my first kiss and broken heart. Carrie and I were close, and very much alike. We had different struggles in learning who we were. The things that brought us joy always seemed to be common for us. I remember visiting with her in Madison, WI. and playing guitar for hours at her co-op on Langdon. I remember feeling so complete and happy. Music was always our bridge, and it made me high.
While talking to Carrie, Becky, and Rebbecca. I had revealed that I was going for bike ride and that I had already run. Carrie asked, "Do you do triathlons?". "I do" I said. "I am signed up for an Ironman". Becky, and Rebbecca(she is also Becky, but this is her grown up name. I was Chuck, now I am Charlie) thought I was joking. But I think Carrie had no doubt. She saw the look in my eye and ran with the opportunity to turn the conversation into tri/talk. Carrie lives in Honolulu and loves triathlon. We both got all worked up. She was bummed to hear she missed the Du last week. The same shared joy we had with guitars was being revisited with triathlon.

That night I straightened my tye, found Maggie and headed to my 20th high school reunion with a 23 year old date. Ha Ha Ha. We both thought this very funny and maintained ambiguity as to the nature of our relationship.(We are friends) .
We arrived at the Embassy suites assuming after dinner cash bar. WRONG. $80 a head.
New wet suit, aerobars, and shifters. Sorry class of '86 we'll be in the lounge. maybe well bump into you.
I saw Hung and Gloria, and then we left.
I thought this was funny.
My reputation at Heights High was to almost make it to school, head across the street to the coffee shop, and eventually leave. I am glad my reunion followed that pattern.
It was good to see the people that I did see. I value what I received from this day.

My training for Ironman begins this weekend. My 1st time IM class is a really good group of people. We will train through the winter and starting in April we will all take our shot every month through November at Ironman.(or equal distance)
I believe the resolve in this group to be true. I believe next year at this time I can call Jody, Jack, Jennifer, Cat, Brooks, Tim, Pam, myself and others, Ironman.
The CTC long course group will be getting together to watch the kona race on the 9th. I look forward to seeing this years 1st time group reunite with there finisher shirts.
When the 2007 Ironman man class has a reunion I promise to get past the lounge...See you in 20.......