“Family” Reunions

During the summer months some families celebrate reunions. In today’s society the definition of family seems to include an extended vocabulary.  The definition may include the traditional – mom, day and the kids.  Or the blended family may be more current with a step mother, step brothers and sisters.  Possibly, a set of two mothers who are raising an adopted, foreign-born child, is the most descriptive of family.  Or even the more extended definition should include the “family” we belong to in our public life – school and work.

If we look at the extended definition, then consider the recent college and high school graduates who are entering into our ever-expanding public life.  These new “entrants” will soon be looking at their 10th, 20th and 50th class reunions.  In most situations, high school and college are the institutions where we form our public family.

We have all experienced the situation when we receive notification that it’s time for our high school or college reunion.  Sometimes we are excited, sometimes scared, sometimes we dread even the thought of reliving our challenging school days.  Whatever our situation, we usually relive our experience through memories which may or may not be accurate.  We seem to convince ourselves that history is a certain way simply by talking to ourselves – we decide it is and so it is.

Whether it’s our public or private family,  we all have memories of our interactions and experiences.  However, they may not be accurate.  The best way to put a true spin on our memories is to attend the reunion and spend time with other family members who helped formed those memories.

So, if you are invited to a reunion this summer – go.  You may be pleasantly surprised.