By Maggie DiGiovanni

Photos taken by dinner guests

Recently at Cozumel in Wetumpka, Alabama, the Class of ‘65 (Elmore County High School) met to catch up on friendships formed long ago. Over steaming plates of food and a margarita or two, the talk was non-stop.

Having friends like Mary and Ronnie Holt, Donnie Eason, Larry and Mie Nelson, Janice Fomby Pinkard, Andra Johnston, Sandra Johnston Taylor, Kitty Graham, Jessie Price, plus a new friend, Dean Murray make any party a cheerful one.

Looking at the faces so familiar in high school, even with a few lines added here and there, hearing about their grown, married children and the grandchildren, along with losses of loved ones, felt surreal. Thinking of our youth, the signs of age faded when talk turned to happenings during school years.

A Facebook friend, Dean Murray, arrived with Jessie Price. Meeting for the first time in person but being long-time Facebook friends, Dean and I talked almost non-stop.

Charles Farrow, one of the group, who is normally front and center in planning our get togethers, could not be at supper that night. He has a medical procedure coming up and thought it best to rest. He was sorely missed and remembered in a prayer given by Larry Nelson.

Before the evening ended, everyone agreed to meet again in March. It seems as time passes, everyone feels the need to strengthen ties with friends.

The conversation turned to a group recently started for widowed and divorced people. When it was mentioned that Friday night several members would be attending the dance at Red Hill School House, Debbie Murray and Jessie Price, along with Andra Johnston and Kitty Graham decided to join the fun.

As the night ended and the threat of rain moved closer, there were hugs and promises of seeing each other more often or at least meeting via phone or social media. A few lingered at the cars until the first rain drops reminded them to head for cover.