Monica Evans:  

Life My bio really hasn't changed much, but I think we've all entered the stage of life where changes don't quite come so fast and furious. It's the temporary lull before the aging storm. We don't move as often, change jobs as often, or change partners as often. We're more secure, more settled. More set in our ways, perhaps? Certainly more appreciative of the people in our lives, even those we've neglected to keep in touch with. There's something so unique about the bond of childhood friends. It's the knowing, deep down in your know-er, that no matter what, those friends could be relied on in time of need. Despite past differences, current geography, and just plain busy-ness...those shared experiences give a frame of reference that our newer friends, however true, just don't have. Our experiences are unique to us as a group. We all know what it's like to grow up in a small town, live during double-digit inflation and unemployment, watch our town and school grow like kudzu, paint our bedrooms purple with tiger-skin bedspreads, see the US Hockey team finally beat the Russians, freeze through a blizzard, pray for our President after he was shot, see our small town disappear in a suburban-sprawl free-for-all, witness through TV and newspapers American citizens taken hostage in a foreign land, see our own athletic field under the waters of hurricane Fred, and weep through the funeral of our class president. That's life...our unique, shared one. That bond is why we hold reunions every five years. It feels good to reconnect, catch up, and express gratitude for each other and our good fortune. Our reunions have always been enjoyable, and I submit that this one will be as well. But I also think that this one will be one for the ages. One full of thoughts, remembrances, laughter, and I believe, comfort. Comfort in the thought that these people already know all the stupid things I did in my youth, and they love me anyway. Com...Expand for more