The Reunion

Helaine was apprehensive. She was as spooked about an upcoming event as I’d ever seen her. It worked out well, but she suffered to the last minute.

We’re home now. I am on the sofa. I am in pajamas. That’s how we know the weekend is over.

IMG_8789.jpgYesterday was Helaine’s neighborhood reunion. They’re usually centered around schools, but not in this case. The epicenter was 2nd and Cheltenham in Philadelphia. A range of ages was invited. Unmarried, I’d have been too old!

The reunion was held in the Radisson off Roosevelt Blvd just north of the Philadelphia city line. A ballroom and adjacent hall were booked for an expected crowd of 500. In fact before the reunion requests had been made to leave home disinterested spouses! More people wanted tickets.

IMG_8775.jpgTwo rent-a-cops were hired to guard the door. There was that much worry about gate crashers!

Helaine was apprehensive. She was as spooked about an upcoming event as I’d ever seen her. It worked out well, but she suffered to the last minute.

They were older than I’d like to think I am and more slender than the adult population in general. Some had the look of affluence. I suppose there’s a lot of self selection going on here.

“Oh my God!” How many times did I hear that as friend spied friend for the first time in 30 or 40 years!

IMG_8807.jpgHelaine’s childhood pediatrician was there looking great at 85. So was her kindergarten teacher… or may be she taught first grade. Helaine wasn’t sure.

Hi, I said when introduced to one guy. “Where do you live?” I asked.

“Bel Air,” he replied.

I’d better get a pig-in-blanket.

It was nice to see the kids Helaine grew up with. In many ways they reminded me of the kids I grew up with. And now they have kids… or in some cases grandkids.

IMG_8846.jpgOne of Helaine’s friends works as a radio reporter at KYW radio. “You must know my friend Brandon,” I said. He proceeded to tell me how Brandon’s recovering from heart problems. You don’t get this kind of stuff at a 10th reunion.

I suspect Helaine will remain in touch with some of the people she saw yesterday. Others… well it will probably be another 40 years for them.