THE INVOCATION: 2004

> This message has been checked for Politically Correct Sensitivity -- and it
> failed!
> We prayerfully request that The Ultimate Provider of our most profound
> Beliefs and Ideals--the ³Giver of Meaning² in our Lives--visit upon each of us
> warm and positive recollections of these very special people gathered here,
> tonight: our fellow Œ49ers, in addition to all our other classmates who
> understandibly could not relegate the time/ commitment/and long journey or who
> otherwise now accompany us only in a spiritual existence, but all are deeply
> remembered and sincerely treasured.
>
> We joyfully express our heart-felt appreciation for such simple things as Name
> Tags: Printed in Large-Type, hand rails, prescription drugs and spectacles and
> full plates---both upper and lower! We give thanks for the ability to
> express apologies for senior moments: personal memory lapses -- as we
> embellish the long ago!
>
> Please do not allow our hearing aids to suddenly scream uncontrollably and we
> ask that when we try to stand up, that you give each one of us at least two
> chances!!!
>
> At a time when most of us cannot remember anything anyway--we are proud owners
> of aging lawnmowers, recurring health problems and assigned bunches of home
> projects which never get done. We are thrilled at the compliment which begins,
> ³At your age, you look pretty good!² Our health regimens include
> Spring-forward/Fall-back/exercising options/memory jogging and jumping to
> conclusions.
>
> May we enjoy this night in laughter, deep insight and perhaps remember with
> each other--huge bunches of things which probably never, ever really happened
> but will, nevertheless, impress our spouses who mostly were not present and
> might otherwise be non-involved in our spirited/ distorted recollections of 55
> years ago.
>
> We realize that our own children are above average and that our grandkids are
> widely acknowledged as geniuses and future Presidents. However, in honor of
> truth and mutual respect, tonight, let us refrain from flashing current school
> pictures or wardrobe malfunctions and expressing unilateral political
> opinions! And--for those of us who have gained a few pounds, please do not
> embarrass us by reporting that our shoes donıt match--because most of us
> havenıt seen our feet in a very long time.
>
> We recognize that flash-backs dramatically elevate us to a status of athletic
> prowess and inspired skills as lovers ---- far better than we really ever
> were! However, in looking around this room tonight, we realize that our women
> continue to be exceptionally beautiful and sexy. But in confusion: we vividly
> recall that our men were much taller, more muscular and not quite so
> fuzzy-looking!
>
> We truthfully realize that our grade point averages were not nearly as lofty
> as we have reported them to our grandkids--but we did whole-heartedly enjoy
> enormous amounts of FUN and we fully intend to HAVE FUN this very night!
Together we experienced magnificent events which seem both very long
> ago--yet are remembered as if they happened earlier today (when our
> medications kicked-in)
>
> This night may we re-ignite positive relationships, embrace the shared high
> regard for each other--and together let us enjoy all that has happened with
> each of us in lifeıs journies throughout these fifty-five years since last we
> enthusiastically lived quality High-School-Adventures as Associates, Rebels
> and Close Friends, eagerly anticipating an unknown future while earnestly
> fighting-off East High Competitors who aggressively sought to capture the
> affections of our women....and some of them actually succeeded! Our memories
> include Academic Excellence, State Titles, Peter C. Holm, Principal; Class
> Sponsors: Elizabeth Stancliff and Chuck Mackey--but most importantly: we
> could say with deep reverence: The Naughty Nine!
>
> Each of us has known sadness and Joy accompanied by enriched hopes and dreams.
> We have experienced successes and disappointments wrapped-up with inspired
> remembrances of that place: (South High School) of the friendships formed so
> very long ago and of phenomenal learning experiences provided by quality
> teachers! Sarah Blanche taught Sex-Ed from the pages of Esquire Magazine. In
> my garage, using subdued light, I read an early Bantam paperback: Physiology
> of Love ! It was a Scientific Doctoral Dissertation detailing reproduction
> habits of the Praying Mantis! The book never mentioned people, the focus of
> our reunion tonight! These are People of Great Interest who have made huge,
> positive differences in our world!
>
> We have created legends and odysseys (which no one else seems to remember) but
> they are carefully pasted inside our crumbling scrapbooks, along with our
> mumbled, almost incoherent, words to the alma mater and the magnificent
> trombone music of Johnny Robertsı Orchestra, playing Good Night, Sweetheart!
> We were the Very Best For Just One Moment! Recorded beautifully, with
> meaning, in St. Elmoıs Fire!
>
> May we warmly welcome each person here tonight into our recaptured recognition
> of significant memories held here in highest regard. May we enjoy this brief
> time together and celebrate sincere appreciation for one another with all our
> hearts!.
>
> And lastly: May the Members of the Planning Committee survive at least five
> more years in order to organize our 60th Reunion--(God willing)--and please,
> bring special blessings to those of us who probably wouldnıt be here at all if
> we werenıt full-fledged Members of the Governmentıs Witness-Protection
> Program!
>
> My name is ³South High Alumnus² and I have approved this message.......
>
> Our Fifty-fifth Reunion Celebration has begun! Amen! earl
> reum
> Brace yourself here for wild applause, multiple standing ovations, the
> throwing of both large rose bouquets and warm dinner rolls. Fame is
> constructed of flimsy stuff!
> (If anyone seeks ancient information on life cycles of the Praying Mantis,
> please call collect!)

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