Reunion Recap from Michael Kinney

Here's a message from Michael:

OK, the reunion has been over for three days. I just felt like I should share my feelings about the entire process from beginning to end. First, I was able to make some new friendships with the members of our Committee. Second, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I must say I was honored that so many of you took the time out of your lives to attend. To see friends from Germany, California, Colorado, Rhode Island, Dallas, Harrisburg, Kingston, Virginia and everywhere else, made the weekend extremely special. You all attended this past weekend with 3 1/2 months notice! Thank you.

Seeing so many of my Classmates, some I haven't seen in 30 years, smiling and enjoying the company of our other Classmates, made every minute of planning, doubting, and tracking down fellow Classmates worth it. My only regret was, and still is, not finding the final four on my "Lost Souls" list.

I had many moments of doubt that we would have a reunion. Could we pull it off? Were we rushing too fast? Jay Tobias planted a seed in my head when he emailed me saying, "If only 10 people show up , they're the 10 I want to be with. They are the 10 that want to be there." Jay, 39 of our Classmates attended the Icebreaker hosted by Mark Hession. Fifty-one of our Classmates attended the Reunion. They all wanted to be there and were!

My hat's off to Mark Hession for all of his hard work and effort in hosting us. I still don't understand the magnitude of his undertaking, but Mark , you showed us you're an excellent cook and host! Thank you.

I heard someone remark after the Icebreaker that we didn't need a reunion on Saturday night because of the wonderful time they had. I had to comment that some of you couldn't make it into town for the Icebreaker and should be given the opportunity to share in the fun on Saturday.

I remember two phone calls on Friday. The first was early at Mark's for breakfast, Dave Serhan called and said he was in the airport at San Diego ready to board his plane, in less than 12 hours, he was with us at Mark's. The other phone call was to Chuck from Pat Balester in Missouri telling him he was at the airport ready to board and he was arriving at Midnight! Those two calls made Jay's words sprout in my head.

I apologize for running so long, but that's what I do.

I am assuming by the laughter and smiles I heard and saw both nights, that everyone had fun.

My second regret was not spending more time with everyone of you. Those I did spend the extra time with, thank you, you made my weekend.

I will admit I called three of you by the wrong name, but I'll just use the age card and leave it at that.

Again, thank you for attending, taking the time, and leaving me with great memories!

To our Committee, thank you again, a thousand thank yous would not, and could not, be enough.

Michael Kinney