It's been 16 years since I've graduated school.  In some ways it seems longer and others it doesn't seem long at all.  I guess, when I look at the number 16 it seems like that number is quite awhile ago, but when I think of the time, it has gone very quickly.  Does that make sense?  I know 16 is a weird number to have a reunion... Easy explanation is that last year it didn't pan out and this year did! 

I had himhawed around about going.  Why?  I guess, when I was in school sometimes I fit in and other times I didn't.  It was always a struggle for me where I fit in.  Also, I was such a jerk when I was in school.  I was an angry, confused kid that did just about anything to "fit" in.  It's people like myself that I homeschool my kids!  (Maybe not that bad, but close!)  I made lots and lots of bad choices.  I'm sooo thankful that we have a forgiving God!  (You can read what I thought a year ago about going to the 15th year reunion that didn't end up panning out.)

Anywhooo.... after a bit of time I decided to just reply and say I was going, because then I would be committed.  I always try to do something especially if I said I would.  Ooohhh... Commitment, sometimes that can be so hard, but yet it is sooo important.

The reunion included families.  We went.  I was nervous.... not until we were on our way.  It took me a little bit of time after we got there to get my nerves under control. 

I have to say, what a great time my family and I had!  I graduated with a small class.  Not possitive how many... anywhere from 73-78 kids.  Out of that many there were 26 of us that went with our families.  Not too bad. 

I knew before I went that I didn't want to bring up the fact that I homeschool.  Why?  Well, because it can cause a lot of controversy.  Also, because they knew me before... and because quite a few of my classmates are in the education field.  I didn't care if it came up, but I wasn't going to just offer it.  Do I sound like a coward?  Yeah, maybe I do.  I sometimes just get tired of feeling like I have to explain myself and sometimes I just feel it's none of anyone's business. 

Well, It was only minutes after I got there that I was approached by one of my classmates & he said that he heard that I homeschool!  lol  Amazingly enough, he and his wife also homeschool their 5 children.  How cool is that?  I have to say that I had a wonderful time visiting with him and his family.  When they were leaving, I laughed as I noticed they drive the same van as I do.  When I mentioned this to my classmate, his comment was... "Who would've ever thought we'd have anything in common!"  Which is true.  He was a very nice, quiet, smart kid & I don't remember every really talking to him very much. 

We were getting ready to leave when homeschooling was brought up again, only because of the infamous question of "Do you go to public school?" was asked to my dd14.   Of course, this was asked when most of the classmates that are teachers were standing there!   When she replied that she was homeschooled, then the questions started!  "what is your reason for homeschooling?"  "Do you go by state curriculum?"  They ceased fairly quickly when I had another classmates wife tell me she works with homeschoolers & that she had something that may benefit us.  The room kind of cleared and I was able to talk with her for quite awhile about science equiptment that we can borrow because of a state grant.  I don't remember all the info on it, but she said she would email me all the information.  Sooo... how cool is that?  God is good.

I'm so glad that we went to this reunion.  I, honestly, had a great time.  It was nice to see my classmates all grown up & with their own families.  We had more kids running around than adults.  I enjoyed visiting with different ones & getting reaquainted with them.   I also was surpised that I was only asked once what "I do".  I figured that would've been the question of the day.  Everyone was just happy to see each other that the conversations were basically about the families & kids.  Some conversations about school days... and remembering the different ones that didn't come, that we would've liked to have seen.   Even though so many of us lead such different lives, we could come together and had a connection from the past.  It was a very nice day.