Just to set the record straight - As you saw this past weekend, my demeanor more resembles Otis from Mayberry than Earnest Hemingway, but here it goes.
Leading into this weekend, I had high expectations in the production of the events for the reunion. Being "in-the-know" of planning the activities, I kind of had that feeling that this would be a can't-miss affair. What I didn't know was that my expectations wouldn't be met - THEY WOULD BE FAR SURPASSED. I hope others reflect back and feel special the way that I do, that I had the pleasure to experience a grand set of events with friends of latter years. Now if you think that is sappy, just read on…
Committee
First, and foremost, I must thank the committee members to getting and keeping me involved throughout the whole ordeal. The first conversation I had with Mary Doyle, all I said was I would help her out with getting our class a web site. Next thing you know (because I can’t say no to Mary Karnick) I had a web site online. I guess because of this, the “girls” considered me part of the committee. So here I am attending all the committee meetings with “hot chicks” from high school and I am thinking this is pretty cool. Now this is where I probably should thank my wife Sue to “approving” of my carousing – so thank you Sue. I just want to let Beth, Gayle, Julie, Kristen, Margaret, Mary, Mary, Shelia, and Rob too on letting me in on the fun. It really became a warm and fun experience every time we met and I hope we continue on with our family friendships – as I am sure we will. I am truly thankful for the past 6 months
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Web site
Congratulations to the class of 1985. You guys are awesome!!! All I have really done is just set up a vehicle for you guys to take a ride in. You all are the ones to be commended for what the Web site has become. The communications you guys have expressed over the past 6 months is completely unheralded. I cannot believe the number of posts and replies (Eileen way to go) to all sorts of topics we have out there. And then to know how many are just readers as well… this makes it so fun to know, that we as a class really do care about one another. I will plan to keep the Web site going as long as I can, hopefully years, but it is up to “ALL” of us to keep to forums going. Also, I would be remiss not to mention getting me photos or links to where photos are. I know the photos (such as the Linesman’s Disciples) are a big hit – so keep them coming.
Friday Golf
Seeing everyone at the course on Friday really set everything in motion for me. Sharing my first beer of the day (if you believe that you crocked- hell it was already 2:00) with Marc, Chit, Bob, and others really broke the ice. Teeing of with Jay, Chris, and Chuck and spending the next 2 hours hearing Jay complaining about carrying his bag, laughing at Chuck’s putting and having Davis explain what his shot was supposed - was just hilarious. Who would have known it would just get better. I kind of did though.
Friday Night my house
I was so happy to open my house up to close friends and families from school. Thanks Andy&Jen, Chris&Cara, Chuck&Sue, Maureen, Dave&Tatia, Steve&Jen(not his sister, but wife), Jay and Bob for making it out there. I know we haven’t done the best of keeping/staying in touch, but I know we will now. Hell, with Smith moving over to Woodstock soon, I know Sue is worried of me seeing him too much. I wish I could come up with something korny to say about our friendships – but you know…
Friday Night - Otto’s
Holy Crap!!! You have got to be kidding me!!! I didn’t know there was a max capacity in that joint. Actually the 30 minutes I spent outside trying to finagle our way-in paid great dividends. I actually sobered up a bit while mingling – what a concept. Once inside though, it was fair game. I know there were two kinds of people there – ones I recognized and ones I didn’t. I couldn’t get over how many people still look the same. Congrats to all of you. For the ones I couldn’t recognize or called by incorrect names, please forgive me. After drinking for 14 hours and then given a test of that magnitude, I couldn’t possibly be expected to pass. Kudos to the turnout. We must do this again next year.
Saturday Shelia’s and the Football game
I am so sorry I missed both – or at least Shelia’s. My two boys had football games of their own and I knew I was missing something good. However, there are some things a Dad does not want to miss… I heard a good time was had by all – go figure.
Saturday Night
Oh what a night it was. I can’t believe it came and went so quickly. I would have to say everything that was planned and executed, exceeded my expectations. Even the pictures were fun. I thought Glen Oak’s picture looked the best, but I could be biased. Mary, thanks for your heartfelt speech. I heard the crackle in your voice and I know it was coming from the bottom of your heart. I just felt bad to have to follow it up with my attempt at humor for the awards. I did have fun with it and I hope I didn’t say something that could come back to haunt me. I know I spoke with a lot of you and I know I missed speaking or even seeing some of you. That is my loss. I know it is and I am not happy because I know everyone that I had a chance to share a phrase with, I was really surprised how easy it was to have a conversation. The night went by way too quickly and there was not enough time to spend with everyone.
Future
I want to say a big thank you to Rob for doing an outstanding job with the Alumni Book. Wow!!! I know I will continue to speak with folks over the next months and hopefully they will in turn do the same with me. As most know, I am always ready to have a drink on 5 minutes notice and enjoy sharing my tap with any poor soul. So please – call or stop by. What will next year hold?? Heck, I am ready now to celebrate our 21 st year reunion. I see no reason why we can’t plan something at a bar for next year. I guess we better start meeting on that right away. LOL. I hope a 21 st will happen - though maybe not quite as large, so just keep checking the Web site.
Final Thoughts
I have always been proud to be graduate of Glenbard West, but after this weekend I truly felt grateful to be a graduate of Glenbard West class of 1985!!!!
Thanks to all for making my experience tearful.
Jeff Sojka
PS.
I know I will catch crap for this, but as the saying goes – “Sometimes you just have to say, what the f*&^%!!!!!”
