Oh, 43. Sounds about right.I went to my 5, 10 and 15 year reunions but not my 20 year.
My 25 year reunion will be this November! I probably won’t go.
I live in the town I grew up in. I still see the special needs guy (down syndrome) that graduated with me around a local shopping center on a regular basis. He hangs out there regularly for how he spends his days. Over almost 20 years I have seen him slowly turn from an innocent smiling guy into a person that frowns and looks full of spite. There is some anger in his eyes now. I feel like someone failed him. I can't pinpoint who though. His family, friends, or community? Maybe all of those.Do the students that were in Special Ed ever attend your high school reunions? That question was part of the Pastor's sermon I livestreamed/recorded at work yesterday morning (in the context of Luke 14:1, 7-14, inviting the poor/crippled/blind/lame to the banquet table). I'd never really considered that before, but, it's true that those people tend to mostly vanish from our lives after high school, unless they happen to also be family, friends, etc. Kind of sad really.
And yes, M was in Special Ed and resents not being invited to the reunions, har-de-har-har.
I have had interactions with him over the years. Usually being kind and supportive. I wouldn't have seen this slow decline in his demeanor if I didn't speak to him. Even my folks who still live in the area have had conversations with him when they see him. They have seen the same observations in his negative behavior.Maybe you could reach out to that guy you grew up with a little, NexusX? A bit of kindness can go a long way.
I had A great time in high school, still keep in touch with some friends but I wouldn’t be keen for a full reunion at this point. All that shit was from several life times ago now, we’ve all changed (or at least should have) so much since then. May as well put me in a room with strangers.