Million Mile Reflections Part II

Last night was the celebration of my high school class’s 30th year out.  After weeks of planning, worrying and a lot of hard work by all involved, we put the cap on it.

Man what a great time, food fun and fellowship, old friends reunited, it was just great.  I want to thank several people in particular, that without their efforts and dedication it would not have happened.  I can’t think of a better group of people than the committee who put this thing on.  I’m not putting this in any order, because no one persons efforts and labors were more important than the others, every one of you are tops in my book.

Missy Ingram Belcher, who took charge of emails, details and acted as general manager. This lady worked her butt off getting in touch with people, and a fine damn job she did. If you didn’t get an invite, and many many reminders, it wasn’t for lack of trying. And a special thanks to her husband Woody, who sweated it out with me at the grill making sure that we had it all together in time.

Paul “Kid Mid” Midler, who’s crazy energy, and outrageous imagination planned and executed the entire entertainment, snatched pictures from who knows where, begged, pleaded and cajoled door prizes, equipment loans, and everything else he could.  Then pulled it all together into one hell of a video, and one man DJ show.  He even took time out to show us dance moves, make sure we all had music to get us in the mood, and took time to bring a hot fat man an ice cold beer when it was desperatly needed.

Pam Powell Burch, this lady knows how to organize and direct like a Command Sergeant Major, and does a fine job of it too. She was faithfully there at the meetings, interjecting humor and common sense when Paul and I went off into left field, and she threw herself into any task that needed doing.  Even a gimp knee didn’t keep her down for more than a few days.  She seemed to be everywhere at once last night, with a bright smile and a glint of steel in her eye.  My hat is off to her.  And to her husband Greg, a wonderful guy, with a great sense of humor, and not afraid of work.  He worked as hard as any of the “classmates” on the committee, with no pay except our gratitude.

Hunter Calhoun, that quiet, steady fellow, who hides an evil sense of humor well.  This is the man who kept it all cool, providing ice by the ton, the same man who could be counted on to stir the pot when it needed stirring, OR NOT… If you enjoyed a cool drink, or sat by a fan last night, thank Hunter.  If you got a good laugh at my expense, thank Hunter… People like him are few and far between, and we need more of them.  And most definitely his lovely wife Lisa, who worked just as hard or harder where ever she was needed and never a word of complaint.  And this lady has some good dance moves to. Miz Lisa, Thank you .

Kelly Dean Higgins, who brought to the table her experience at organizing the last, and if I’m not mistaken, first reunion, and worked hard to steer us around past problems, and kept us motivated. Poor Kelly ended up in the hospital breifly just a week or so before the reunion, but was out and moving and shaking all night at the party.  She laid out the treats everyone enjoyed, though she tormented me with all the M&M’s that I saw and couldn’t eat. And a extra special thanks to her husband Jim, who provided us with tents, water, soda and tables, but more importantly volunteered to sweat it out with me on the grill, stoking the fire, tossing chicken, and doing what ever needed doing.

Beth Mott Brock, our decorator, who took it upon herself to make sure all the tables were laid out with taste, and style.  And she stayed busy all night making sure everything was as it should be, so that we could enjoy our reunion. A wonderful lady with a great sense of decorum and humor.  And a big Thank You to her husband Marty for his help as well, though he must have been snacking early on, judging by the lenght of the blessing.

Brenda Burns Davis, who twisted Mike Harrells arm and got us cups, plates and utensils, gift cards for door prizes, and a place to meet and plan. Another of those people who work quietly behind the scenes to make it a success.

And I must give a great big Thank You to my wife Jo, who worked with us in planning this event, went to meetings when I couldn’t, and I dare say put a lot more work and effort into this thing than I did, she helped prepare food, served food, and cleaned up without being asked or complaining. Not to mention put up with me and kept me in line when it was needed.  And even let me dance with half the women there without bending a frying pan over my head.  I hope she’ll keep me around for another 29 years because without her, I’d be lost.

And a final thank you to all who came and shared in the fun, we owe a big thanks to the Simmons’ family for the use of the lodge, George for the boston butts, and everyone else who contributed.

Lets do this again next week !  Well, next year maybe, I gotta get some rest.