Joleigh Sakraida (Rafalski)
It's taken several days to process all the feelings and thoughts I want to express following our wonderful reunion weekend - as I had some profound and even surprising reactions. So much effort over the past two years has been exerted to reach all the members of our class and to plan a special event that would be accessible and affordable to all. Lots of challenges to say the least! I had the priveledge of working with a dedicated core team of classmate friends - Melody, Ruth, Chris, Pam, Julie and our creative decorations diva, Tary. We are a diverse group, with different experiences, ideas and opinions...and it all made the planning - and the result - so much richer. I have so much respect, appreciation and love for each of these individuals. We had so much fun and I feel like I've acquired new family members! (A couple were already my sisters). The process of planning and the "enforced patience" as we collectively made the tough decision to postpone several times in order to insure the safety of people we cared very much about, have been rewarding in so many ways! A growth experience as well as joyful.
And then the weekend finally arrived - actually five days of friendship and fun, as we had the great fortune to have the band set up and play in our garage Wednesday, as well as the growing crew of visiting volunteers who helped make the gift prizes and auction items such a beautiful treasure trove. Sunday afternoon, Tom came in from his shop, gave me a hug and asked if I was also feeling melancholoy and missing everyone - YES!
And that brings me to some of those unepected feelings. I knew there would be the "let down" after all that work and anticipation, but I hadn't prepared for the impact of reconnecting, or really connecting for the first time with acquaintances who had become such impressive, warm and inspiring people...who I wish I could be with on a regular basis. I know, we are fortunate to now have internet interaction, etc. , but not anywhere near as fulfilling as a hug, belly laugh and soul-sharing in person. How lucky I am that some of those folks live here or close by!
More thank yous to come on the part of the committee as a whole for sure. I want to personally express my appreciation to Tom, my husband and hero, to our band and our fantastic "band wives", especially Susan Greedy Roberts for all the set up and decorating help. And to Phil Martin, Debby Berry Newton, Norman George, Dan Kus, Steve Gutierrez, Brenda Bettis Charles, Cary Dabbs, Sandy Hamilton Hoagland, Reed and Lupe Bowles for showing up early Saturday, rolling up their sleeves and making it happen! We couldn't have done it without you! And there were so many "little" things and moments that made such a big difference - like the humor and support David and Anise Ritchie instantly offered to help dispell the frustration of a 40-minute late bartener and elusive water pitchers! One of many, many appreciated and sustaining gestures that made the whole weekend so amazingly great! Clixie's amazing dancing, Mary's wit, Willie's touching insight, Debee's renewing love. And such behind-the-scenes generosity! You are all such an incredible group. Still processing and enjoying - and sending everyone my heartfelt love and appreciation. J
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