Have you ever been lukewarm about something and then to your surprise found that it blessed you beyond measure and surpassed all expectations?

If you’ve ever experienced reluctance in going somewhere and then ended up having the best time ever, you know what I mean. Nowadays, I give wisdom and experience permission to overcome reluctance, because I know if I don’t I will never discover what I might have missed! (What? I know – such crazy logic huh?)

But let me digress. It was June 11th and our bags were packed. Flights, hotel and car confirmed, we left for Portola, California to attend Chuck’s 50th High School Reunion. Class of 31! Five are deceased and 26 souls remain. Yawn! Sigh! Another ho-hum reunion where the spouses paste on smiles and polite conversation is the order of the day. I consoled myself with the knowledge we’d spend time with our long-term friends Michael and Jennie. That’d be fun and then we’d get time with our son Stephen and family in Reno on Sunday and that alone would make the trip worthwhile. This was my frame of mind as we embarked on the trip. Oddly enough I was armed with a book to read on the plane called “Have a Little Faith” by Mitch Albom.

The weather in Portola was fabulous – cool with bright blue skies punctuated with brilliant white, fluffy clouds –perfect for showcasing the mountains. Having visited the area many times while Chuck’s parents and sister still lived there, the breath-taking scenery came as no surprise, but its magnificence was as endearing and inspiring as always. The majestic mountains were clothed with pines of many kinds and their fragrance permeated the air as we drove up to the appropriately-named Sleepy Pines Motel and checked into our quaint quarters.

It soon became apparent that many of Chuck’s classmates were also here at this motel – not surprising – it’s one of only two in town. We renewed acquaintance with some classmates who greeted us there in the parking lot, and in my case met one or two for the first time, even though I’d attended the 10th and 25th so had met most before. There was much chatter, hand-shaking and hugging and it was really fun to be in the midst of that. I knew it would be interesting to meet everyone again and spend some time together.

This is “The Present” part of the story. The Class of 2010 took time from their own ceremonies to honor the Golden Grads, with carnation boutonnieres and certificates individually awarded to all seventeen attending 1960 graduates. What a special gift, not only to those giving and receiving but to those who looked on. It was such a blessing to behold the future honoring the past with a present that will long be remembered. And then something quite amazing happened. One of the students at the podium requested that the Vietnam Vets stand up and they too were honored, Chuck being one of several who rose, along with his friend Rod with whom he had enlisted in the Air Force. I found this very touching and thought to myself how thoughtful – and where else but in small town America!

The entire two-hour graduation was a heart-warming celebration. No one feared mentioning “God” and this small class of 47 all knew each other well. Many had been together from Kindergarten to Graduation. The keynote speaker drew enthusiastic applause from the graduates – obviously a very popular teacher, who had deservedly won their respect and love. An individual dedicated to not only teaching academics, but helping to shape their characters and prepare them for the next chapter in life. His speech was built around numerous quotes and words of wisdom from Benjamin Franklin, and he emphasized the value of the Constitution. It was so refreshing! It truly was an enriching experience and I’m happy I was there.

Of course the 50th reunion dinner and celebration was filled with good food and renewed friendships with bursts of loud chatter as everyone connected and shared parts of their lives from today- and reminisced over past encounters. The Class of 1960 from Portola High School is a group of uniquely different and interesting individuals, who are open and friendly, and with whom it was delightful to meet for brunch the next day to hear more stories and anecdotes from a time, many years ago when they were teenage classmates.I would not have wanted to miss our trip to Northern California and the Class of 1960 Golden Grad Celebration. It was something to behold!