Sneaker Wave

As a lifelong resident of the upper plains I know about as much about the ocean as I do about climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Fortunately, I have had the opportunity to spend a little time on the Pacific Northwest coast near my daughter's home. One phenomenon I learned about was the sneaker wave. It is a large wave that surges onto the beach and often catches folks off guard because it is larger than preceding waves. Sadly, it can be deadly, thus all the warning signs.

Last weekend I experienced a sneaker wave. My location was nowhere near the ocean. The "wave" was not made of water. And best of all, no lives were lost in the process. This event snuck up quickly and grabbed a small crowd of us into a vortex of what-just-happened-here?

I am referring to my eighth grade graduation class reunion. You may be asking, "Is that a thing?" To which I would have to reply, "Probably not." But, through a series of random events, many phone calls/texts and two determined classmates, a reunion was born and birthed within a couple of weeks.

On a hot, sticky morning in our small hometown, ten of the twelve 1970 graduating class members of Platte Christian Grade School gathered to walk down memory lane.We met in the only diner in town. The pancakes are as large as frisbees, the coffee is on a help-yourself basis and no one asks about dietary restrictions. We were joined by a few spouses and a favorite former teacher.

Several members toted file boxes, scrapbooks and worn envelopes filled with photos and memorabilia. As with all gatherings of good friends, the stories and laughter flowed as strongly as the coffee into our cups. The icing on the cake was a parade held on main street celebrating 125 years of our town's existence. Candy was tossed, cold water was offered and sugar cookies were distributed. Applause, whistles and smiles erupted from the adoring crowds. This is small town at its best.

Soon enough, final hugs and goodbyes were exchanged as we all scattered off to our regular lives. The little eighth grade graduation reunion snuck up on all of us but its power was profoundly significant. We are not getting any younger (despite how youthful we all looked!!) and sometimes now is much better than someday.