The Reunion

[Cheryl Anna]

This article/poem was written three years ago after my 20 year high school reunion. The name in the artcle/poem is fictitious.

The Reunion
by
Cheryl Raye

I wonder if I will recognize anyone?
I wonder if anyone will recognize
me? I have been becoming handicapped
since I was 17.

A man of 60ish walked to the podium.
"Welcome to the 20-year high school
reunion. I hope you have fun. Feel
free to venture bach to yesteryear-back
to when you were 17."

I'll stay here-thank you very much. I like
my age now. I do not want to be 17,
again. I couldn't even stand to be
17 when I was 17: I was so skinny
and unsure of myself. I do not want
to be at the beginning of my Cerebellar
Ataxia, again-I can NOT go through
accepting the fact that I am becoming
handicapped, again. That would be
torture. Besides, I just want to see
people I knew in high school and see how
they progressed.

I felt a prescence beside me. "Do you
remember me?"

I looked up into his face. "I'm sorry, but
I don't."

"I'm Tim Butler."

His face of 20 years ago popped into
my mind. "Oh, my God, now I remember
you!"

I backed up my wheelchair so that I was
beside him. Small talk and reminiscing
warmed my heart and blew my mind.

"Well, I should be going now. Bye."

Dinner was served: a small repast, but
at least I didn't have to cook it. And,
best of all, no dirty dishes to clean.

After the plates were cleared, a familiar
man walked toward me: my high school
boyfriend-my ex-fiance. His eyes reminded
me of a carefree life-before my genetic
handicap began. Such a pleasant surprise; such
a warm handshake.

He sat beside me and I floated deep
into a conversation with him. We
didn't talk of the good-old-days, but
of today.

When he had to return to his table
I felt sad and glad: I was happy to
learn that his life had turned out the
way that he had dreamed of.

Later, a woman outside the bathroom
asked, "What happened?" (referring
to my use of a wheelchair.)

For the first time, without a whine in my
voice, I answered, "I have a genetic,
progressive handicap that began 20 years
ago."

[wonderbunny]

Thank you for your poignant poem. I will have to keep that one close to my heart as a treasured gift, thank you for sharing.

[Canadian Jayne]

I've been thinking about you lately, you have so many phsychology degrees, is it possible to start an on-line phsychiatric help line? Like a home based business. Often people don't want to or don't have time to go to an office, why not just go on line. I bet you could do something like that. Do they have small business grants and such for start up?? Just an idea. Let me know what you think. Build up a clientelle, get paid by direct deposit. Email advice.

[Cheryl Anna]

Thanks for the advice. I will look into it.

[quirky]

I loved the poem Cheryl Anna. And I think Jayne has a good idea, too.

[wonderbunny]

I find God in the most fascinating people. Its taking the time to listen to their stories. When tendor words are spoken, language emotes like a symphony. I love that feeling. Don't you? Its a lot like a warm blanket. Deep sigh... (Keep that moment capture and place it in my treasure box called the heart, ready to pull out when ever I need a warm fuzzy to comfort the coolness life experiences can bring)