Forty Something

There's something magical about the number 40.

Take the Bible, for example.  The number 40 is used 146 times in Scripture. (I would say that I've counted all of them...but then, that would be a lie and I don't think lies score well on my Heavenly Report Card). In one example during "Noah's Nautical Adventure" it rained for 40 days and nights. Noah and family had to wait even longer for dry land to reappear, all while aboard a boat full of wet animals and cranky relatives. (And you thought your family vacations were bad?).  And of course there was the episode when Moses took the entire nation of whining Israelites out to the desert for a 40 year land survey. Even Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days before playing 20 questions with the Devil. So, let's assume that the number 40 means something important!

In our case, the number 40 has been a bit of an important journey as well. Many of our Class of 1975 are now parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts - and perhaps some are divorced and single again (or married again and parents again).  It's hard to believe that the kids in Mr. Ashcraft's 6th grade class (left frame) are now in their 50s (except me...I stopped at age 39).  Regardless, we've all got 40 years of personal journeys to tell, 40 years fraught with all the trials, tribulations, joys and celebrations that life brings.  Again, the number 40 means something special!

Next year, Class of 1975, we will celebrate our 40th reunion! Just think: 40 years ago we had no internet, no Facebook, no Twitter - and no wireless phone bills. I'm not even sure we had Cable TV - at least not at my house! (Yes, it's true kids: we were all Trogladites).

I look forward to seeing you all at Rison in 2015 - at some currently-not-determined location. The old high school is gone, 'tis true, but the memories remain locked in time.

Start making plans to return to Rison next year!

Cheers,
Ken (ny) Tillman