Words That Inspire

A Silver Hangover

by Ginge Pagulayan Salud, SSC Batch'85
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 8:47am

Now, I can see what 25 years can do. At high school graduation, I was just raring to move on - from the confines of both my physical and metaphysical Benedictine upbringing; from high school to college; from old friends to new ones. I chide myself today for how easy it had been for me to let go and forget.

I jumped at the invite of my old high school friends to be part of silver homecoming plans. Immediately, I was reeled in as I happily immersed myself in the work. More than that, I had a foretaste of happy little reunions, rejoicing at the surfacing of old friends I thought I had forgotten.

I used to think the old days were all behind me - where I had charged everything to the folly of my youth, and committed them all to memory. Today, I am realizing how sweet it is to go back, to go home. Homecoming day was a mere backdrop to a grand reunion of old friends. At this age of introspection, I have picked out my life's greatest blessings. Apart from the gift of family, I value the gift of friendship. Luckily, I have crossed paths with many who have managed to weave a colorful tapestry of memories into my life.

It's been a week after the grand homecoming - where we 40 something old ladies are all rocked out and yet giddy still over successfully converging at our alma mater. We love talking and laughing about yesterday, as if we were all donned in our old blue jumpers yet again. Of late, we keep finding reasons to get together - to celebrate the past and toast to the many happy memories we have yet to make together.

At this age I thought I made all the friends I need to make. I am happily finding that I am wrong! And so I thank you, dear classmates and friends - for the shining years that will always ring with much love and laughter. Cheers to another 25 more!

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Thank you, Ginge, for sharing this with us :-)