“Time it was, and what a time it was, it was…a time of innocence. A time of confidences. Long ago, it must be…I have a photograph. Preserve your memories; They’re all that’s left you.”

This weekend is our 50+1 High School Reunion. Mr. FixIt and I graduated together. We were buddies during high school. We passed each other in the halls and knew a lot of the same people. The first time I laid eyes on him was on the playground in first grade. A red-headed, freckle-face little rascal who chased the girls at recess. He looked all the world like Opie Taylor. 

My family moved to another school district halfway through second grade and I never gave that little red-headed boy another thought till I started tenth grade. I was in the art department and was high up on a ladder painting a backdrop when I heard someone below me clearing his throat. I looked down and that same red-headed, freckle-faced boy was looking up at me…a toothy grin on his face. He was much taller by that time and wore glasses, yet he was unmistakably the same little dude that chased the girls.

My heart smiled. “There he is” it said to me. 

“And just what do you think you’re doing down there?” I asked. 

With a chuckle and a wink, he pushed his reedy frame away from the pillar he was leaning on and disappeared into the shadows of stage left. He was easy to spot. He stood head and shoulders above most of our fellow students and I would call out, “Hey, Froggy!” when I saw him. It was a nickname one of his friends gave him. He hated it, as most people hate their nicknames. But he answered to it just the same.

I remember in our senior year, we were both dating someone else. It was “Color Day”…that day when seniors are excused from classes and we had a parade and played games out on the football field. I was acutely aware a change was afoot and we were all heading out into the world in different directions. I remember holding Mr. FixIt’s hands in mine, looking into those baby blues, and saying with perfect heartfelt honesty, “I’m really going to miss you!”

We didn’t see each other till our 10th Reunion. I didn’t like that reunion very much. It was cliquey and everyone was trying to outdo the next with their accomplishments. But we were so happy to see each other and catch up. We danced and laughed and said, “See ya next time!” We ran into each other several times over the years…each time the same. Just old friends reunited.

Some time after the last reunion, I heard from that lanky fellow with the now-graying red hair and white beard. He had the very same blue eyes that sparkled when he smiled. He invited me to lunch and the rest…as they say…is history. I’ve been waxing poetic this week with the passage of time. So many of us are gone. So many are missing and no one has heard from them in years. It’s the nature of aging, I suppose. 

I think Mr. FixIt and I mesh so well together because we’ve known each other forever. We’ve lived our lives and accomplished things and worked out most of the kinks of our psyches long before we attempted to date. I honestly am not at all sure we would have made it had we gotten together in high school. We are who we are now simply because of what we’ve gone through in life. We are the people NOW who are meant to be together at this time.

I ran across this picture on Facebook yesterday. It was taken by Dave Ferrell, I believe. It’s a photo of young students standing in front of our High School. Mr. FixIt and I were likely playing on the grade school playground when this was taken, but it reminded me of who and where we used to be. It was truly an “Age of Innocence.” While it is a moot point and a waste of energy to wish we were back in times such as this, every once in a while…I do. 

The world seems so big and scary and angry and dangerous these days. And, in some ways it is. But, it’s equally just as beautiful and fresh and lovely if you choose to look carefully. I’m looking forward to the weekend…of getting together with our friends and reminiscing old times. And maybe…even if just for a moment…it will be all Peace, Love, and Rock ‘n Roll….

”A Time of Innocence.” <<<< CLICK TO WATCH SIMON AND GARFUNKEL SINGING BOOKENDS/A TIME OF INNOCENCE LIVE AT THE CENTRAL PARK CONCERT.

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“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,”

Philippians 1:3 ESV