The Eagles Are Turning 58

We turn 58 years old this year. For many of you it’s just another check mark or scratch on the calendar. For me it’s downright crazy. This year is not considered a milestone birthday by the Hallmark Store gold standards of birthday cards. In fact, I defy you to find a stock Happy 58^th Birthday card. When you think of the other milestones, we have experienced in our 58 years on this earth up until now, I consider this an outrageous accomplishment.  There is one event taking place this year that I truly believe we should all celebrate together. 

Did you know that we graduated Bethpage High School 40 years ago? FORTY YEARS AGO. Let that sink in. We walked across the stage on a very hot June 26, 1983, in our blue and gold gowns and then threw our graduation caps in the air when Mr. George McElroy declared us graduates of Bethpage High School, class of 1983. We took pictures in the parking lot, on the football field, in our cars, and at the many graduation parties that we had over the next few months. On June 27, 1983, our new lives began. 

We’ve flown all over the country and world during these last 40 years. We’ve married, divorced, started families, battled illnesses, experienced loss, and some of us have started to help our children start those cycles of their own. There are some who did not make it to this 40-year road marker, and we remember them with smiles and gratitude in our hearts. 

We definitely didn’t know the tiny and minute details about each other’s lives during those four years as an Eagle. I didn’t know what your favorite breakfasts were, your dog or cat’s name, or even where you actually lived. We may not have known your parents, grandparents, or how many siblings you had. What we did know was who you were in class – eight classes a day…five days a week…. for four years. If we were lucky, we saw each other after school at clubs, sports, trips, or maybe even downtown for a slice of pizza, or ice skating at the Community Park. There are thousands of stories that we all have to recall either by ourselves or together if we have run into each other over the years. 

We are meeting on October 7^th for a night of celebrating US. This will be a night to get together to say, “Remember when?” A few hours to belly laugh and think of the times that meant the world to us and sometimes wish would never end. It will be a time to take pictures together (this time via selfies on our phones and not through the deafening sound of a Polaroid camera or flash bulbs popping). I for one will be there in October hugging each of you with a huge thank you for giving me what I now know was one of the best periods of my life. Once an Eagle…always and Eagle class of ’83. See you then!