Subject: Thanks and reflections
Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 09:59:38 -0500
From: "Margaret Ring Baxter"
To: ALL

Dear Friends,

It's taken awhile to sort out my thoughts and feelings about the reunion weekend, and to put them into words.

First of all, it's taken me a few days to quit calling myself Margaret Ring and get back to my married name. And I think I'm over expecting to run into people from PHS '62 around every corner, at the grocery store, etc. I'm back to 2002 now.

As an adult I had thought of my high school years as not especially great, a time of missed opportunities, some failures, restrictions by my parents, insecurities about my value and capabilities as a young person, etc. My adult life has been more satisfying. But as some of you sent in your memories it stirred a lot of mine. I started remembering more of the fun things, the good times. The tour of the building was special. I felt the exuberance and outgoing-ness that I had forgotten I had back then. Danielle told me I seemed "animated." I just felt like my real self - in a time warp. Looking at your yearbook comments also made me realize that I was a pretty fun, although perhaps goofy, person back then. Wouldn't it be neat to go back - if we could take with us what we know now? Most of us could do it a lot better.

We weren't able to go to Terry and Patty's Friday night. I was thinking it might be overkill anyway and wasn't too disappointed, although with all the email talk about it it sure was tempting to change our plans so we could be there. Now I know I missed a very special time. Still, I think the camaraderie of the event carried over to Saturday and we all benefitted from it. So thank you, Terry and Patty, even though we weren't there.

I regretted not going to Hunt's for lunch after the tour. Those 4 hours in the afternoon I kept thinking, what a waste of time. I could be seeing people, talking to people. If I had known where some of you were I would have tracked you down just for a chat.

Sat. evening was great! I tried to get around to talk to everyone, but realized later that I missed several of you. I regret that. Hopefully, next time.

Harry Whitaker was one person I talked to at the dinner. Remember the story I thought I had heard about Max Mills remarrying? I won't say to whom because it might start the "rumor" all over again. You can look at my list of memories on the website if you really want to know. Here's the scoop. Harry said Mrs. Mills died a couple years after we graduated. In time he started dating a counselor from Woodruff. She transferred to Central. He died during that school year. If I remember correctly, Harry said Mr. Mills had a history of heart trouble and one day wasn't feeling well. He lay down on a cot at the school. I think Harry said he later look him to the Dr. or hospital and he died that night. The counselor wasn't notified right away and was quite bitter toward whoever should have called her right away. So you see, there was some basis for the story I heard. Before the reunion someone asked if anyone could name Mr. Mills' job before becoming a principal. One person thought she heard he was a minister. Does the person who asked the question have the real answer?

One of the most meaningful times was our Sunday morning breakfast at the designated reunion motel. Several of us sat for a couple hours talking. Some in the group were people I hardly knew in high school, but by the time we broke up to head home they seemed like old and very dear friends.

The reunion experience was so unique and special. Thank you to everyone on the committee for a wonderful job of planning and executing. It was all exceptional. I wonder if this same feeling can be recaptured at the next one. Wouldn't it be sad if we tried and were disappointed? Perhaps this was magical and won't happen again. Hopefully, the committee will look at the key ingredients that people mention as being most meaningful and special, and will keep those in mind when planning the next one. The emailing, the website, the openness of several to share who they really are, certainly contributed. If I can help from Davenport, Iowa next time, put me on your list. I would vote for 3 years from now. And let everyone know in plenty of time so those who live far away can plan accordingly. You know, that's another thing that made this one special - the effort and expense that many took to get here. Still, would be great to see more local classmates.

That's all for now. Take care,

Margaret
(Ring Baxter)