It's been 50 years since I graduated from high school. In fact, in a couple of weeks Van Horn High School in Independence, Missouri will be holding their 50th reunion. I can't believe that much time has passed. It's been so much fun reconnecting through Facebook with some of those that I was friends with back in the 60's - and even getting to know some of them I didn't know as a teenager.
I decided to let everyone know I'd written this book, and I'm sure glad I did. I've gotten nothing but good comments on it. One of my classmates, Susan, wrote:
Joyce, I read where you had written a book so I had to look it up and now I am reading it. I am amazed at the memories I am remembering. Thank you for letting us know about your book. I can't stop reading it. In some ways we have a lot in common. I wish we had known each other. I can't stop reading your book. I will text you when I'm finished.
After Susan finished reading it, we talked on the phone for about 90 minutes, just getting to know each other and sharing our experiences. We really did have a lot in common, and I, too, wish I had known Susan. Maybe we could have helped each other.
I guess that's something that really sticks with me.
We might have helped each other. At times I look back and wonder why someone didn't reach out and try to point me in the right direction. But how could I expect that when I never let anyone know what I was going through. In the 60's we just hid our secrets. We brushed them under the rug. We worried about our reputation and for an insecure teenager, nothing could have been worse than have someone laugh at you, or think you had done something you were ashamed of. Fast forward to the present where people document everything they do on social media and even brag about the things I was so afraid to talk about.
Thinking about this reminds me of a chat I had with another classmate a few years ago. He had become a high school counselor and was interested in how it might help kids today. After reading the book, he said, "Wow. I had no idea you were going through all that. I mean, I can't believe there was someone at our school and we didn't even know" Well, of course he didn't know, and I'll bet there were kids at that school who had it a lot harder than I did.
Just last year one of my virtual friends bought the book and shared it with the local high school. The teacher was reading a few pages each day to the class. I just loved hearing that. I think there's so much content, and there are so many situations that still affect people today that it doesn't matter that a young girl struggled with them in the 60's. We are still struggling with them today! Alcohol, rape, abuse, infidelity, and illegal activity. It hasn't stopped and unfortunately, never will.
The more I am able to share my experiences through Nikki, the more I fall in love with her. Does that sound silly? Maybe, but for someone who always felt like a nobody, she's still standing 50 years later, and is grateful for the experiences that have shaped the person she has become. Does she wish she'd have made better choices? Absolutely. But one thing I have learned from Nikki is that if you can grow from the mistakes and learn to forgive yourself, you'll find out how strong you really are. You can really overcome anything.
Hugs.
