The reunion was really an emotional volcano for me. New dreams, new memories coming back to me, new things I am doing. I have been looking for a "mountain to climb" since my sister died this May. For such a brilliant, beautiful, funny and fun person, it was horrible to see her light get dimmer and dimmer and finally flicker out.

I guess the "mountain" I required was the intensely emotional reunion, being cast into hundreds of good friends, being surrounded by memories of good times, when life was simpler and easier and happier. And friends remained good friends 40 years later, and it was fun too.

Well, the 40-year reunion of the "First Class" of SME has come, but hasn't really gone. The warm feeling of renewing old friendships is still with me. In my not-so-humble opinion, we really were first class, in more ways than just being the first to graduate. I think we had a special group of people in our class, the likes of which I have not had the pleasure of being a part of before or since. To share the weekend with the people I spent the best years of my youth with was an uplifting and renewinig experience. The tour of S-M East was great, too. Recalling peoople, events and places, then learning about the fantastic things going on there today -- WOW! What a legacy we seem to have left behind us. The Habitat for Humanity project, multimedia computer labs undreamed of in our time, the school still in the top 3% nationwide in academics. Sports championships covering the walls of the athletic facilities, stacks of debate trophies. It was a great feeling!

Of course, the obligatory trip to Winstead's on the Plaza seemed like a trip through a time machine! Were those burgers ALWAYS that thin?

Catching up on each other's lives would be virtually impossible in such a short time; the reunion book really was a GREAT idea. Thanks to the committee and especially Dick Moser for putting it together. And for putting together the whole weekend!

I suppose the thing that I'll remember most was the rededication of the Veterans' Memorial. Somehow, it brought a feeling of closure to a lot of old, bad feelings. While was not a combat veteran (somehow the Air Force always sent me where the shooting wasn't), too many good friends haven't returned. Thanks to Dick Heimovics and Dick Moser for their moving words. And to Mike Everett, too. It took courage to oppose the war, and he did it openly, not running off to another country. I had trouble keeping dry eyes as Mike read from the Bible. Yes, Mike, in the words of Ecclesiastes, there IS "a time for war, and a time for peace; a time to kill and a time to heal." No passage you could have read could have had more meaning. We might have disagreed before, but those days are gone by, and I respect you for having the bravery to staud up for your convictions. When "Taps" was played, I gave up holding back the tears, and they flowed freely. Closure and healing. Thank you.

There's really only one more thing to say at this point -- LET'S DO IT AGAIN IN 5 YEARS!!!!!!!.

Following is what I read at the Vietnam Memorial. I read it as one piece, but it's actually four separate pieces from Ecclesiastes, Chapters 1 and 3. I meant to give a line of introduction to the reading and I'm sorry I didn't because the introduction now sums up my understanding of what the memorial is all about. Here it is, and you can use it if you wish:

One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth forever.
The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.
All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done; and there is no new thing under the sun.
Is there any thing wheroeof it may be said, See, this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Hopefully you realize how much Art appreciated being invited to the 40th reunion. He appreciated all who came by to say hello. It's amazing he is able to remember so much from years ago and then present things he cannot figure out. But I guess this is one symptom of Parkinson's Disease. I try to work with him on trying to help him with everyday activities. He has begun reading again and watching football games on TV, so we stay pretty close to home.

Our daughters were so thrilled he went to the dinner. They both called today, Janet from Fairway and Wendy from Windsor, Colorado. They wanted to check on him and see how he had done.

Again, we want everyone to know how much we enjoyed being at the dinner. Know it was a lot of work but hopefully everyone had a good time.

Thank you for including us.

This was the first time in over 38 years that I had been back to the Kansas City area. I was very pleased and surprised to find that both my home in Prairie Village and Shawnee Mission East are in better condition now than when I left.

I was a little nervous about the reunion. After so many years I wasn't sure what to expect meeting classmates again. My impression now is the same as when I was in high school. We have a very nice class. As a teenager, I was never very involved in the activities nor did I have close friends (friends I saw outside of the school setting). Yet I was always treated in a friendly and courteous manner by everyone. It was obvious at the reunion that this class of bright, high achieving kids has lived up to its potential.

The reunion itself was a mixed affair. I had a chance to visit with friends as well as some classmates I did not really know in high school. Yet I would have liked to have had more time to spend getting re-acquainted and making new friendships. The cocktail party was very nice with the exception that the setup made moving around to see a variety of people a little difficult. The re-dedication of the Vietnam Memorial was very moving and a reminder that the tragedies of war affected our generation.

The tour of the high school was very enjoyable. I think that I had a chance to visit with more classmates during that than any of the other events, mostly because of the ebb and flow as we walked around. It was great to see what is going on in the school these days although I almost lost my husband (an engineer) in the CAD design area.

The dinner dance was fun. Somehow the Homestead Country Club doesn't look quite like I remember.

The reunion committee did a marvelous job of pulling everything together and are to be congratulated. It was no small task and a lot of thought and planning went into everything. It was a very enjoyable weekend.

To all the classmates who were unable to attend the reunion, you missed out. I had not been to Kansas City since the last reunion 15 years ago and was apprehensive about going by myself. The only person I had kept contact with was Pam Alston Fuller and I wondered it I would recognize anyone and would anyone remember me. But I soon was at ease as we were renewing old friendships and realized that most everyone who had not been back to K.C. had the same feelings. I enjoyed the tour of SME and a chance to visit more with old friends. If it has not been too much for those who live in K.C. and had to do most of the work, I hope they are willing to do it again in 5 years and that we can have even a better turnout.

The women looked better than the men, but I guess that was always true. What I really mean is age has been kinder to them.

I was embarrassed that I could not remember some people who remembered me -- at least until I saw their '59 picture...is that a sign of something?

We often regret our mistakes. One of mine was not staying in touch with some people I have known considerably longer than 40 years. I can't rectify that...I wish I could have spent more time talking to many who were friends in grade school and junior high.

It is interesting that a significant number of our group stayed in the K.C. area and another group left and went to the coasts, predominantly the West Coast. What's this love affair with California?

It was good to see some old acquaintances...probably should have done it sooner. Wouldn't mind doing something similar again.

I had a great time. I was especially impressed at the low number of bragging-type comments I heard. I like the free-form cocktail party far better than the more formal event at Homestead, although I do have some fond memories of junior high dances at Homestead.

The Doubletree was a good choice, even though it is in a part of town that wasn't there in '59.

I guess I understand the Prairie/Corinth rivalry talk, but I'd like to tell the following Linwood people that I got a big kick out of seeing them: Tozier, Plummer, Senior, Lagoski, Johnson.

The reunion was awesome. I hadn't planned to go, but with the encouragement of dear friends Libby Pottle, Dawn Eddy, and Dee Dee Dawson I made it. I thoroughly hate to fly but it was SO worth it. Like Dick Moser, I regret that there were many people I wanted to talk to that I didn't get to talk to. And I also regret that there were many I wanted to see who weren't able to come, but through mutual friends, I did hear about some of them. It seems no matter how much time is provided it is never enough to hear all the details of people's lives. I am amazed at and impressed by the accomplishments of so many classmates. We had a great class and we grew up in a wonderful era.

I truly appreciate all of the hard work that was expended to put this reunion together, although I'm certain I don't have a clue how much work it really was.

I have enjoyed the yearbook also. Haven't had time to thoroughly devour it yet, but I'm working on it.

Jim Murray and I have been talking since the 25th reunion about having a West Coast gathering. I am hoping that some time in the next 5 years, those of us on the WC can pull that together. If there is any interest in attending such an event, please let Jim or me know via email.

With the same anticipation that a child has on Christmas Eve, I boarded a plane from Phoenix to Kansas City. I found myself full of exhilaration and apprehension. What would I find, did I need this emotional overload? Oh well, the money was spent so I went!

The warm, fuzzy feeling of Christmas morning greeted me as I entered Friday night. To see Doug Van Auken, Sonny Ellis and Eugene Rardin was a trip back to toyland – the days of milk and graham crackers. The memories of early Leawood and Corinth days came flooding in. The eyes and the voices were the same, even after fifty years! My apprehension was gone and my mind confirmed this was the right thing. As Paul Harvey says, "it's fun to learn the rest of the story."

Seeing preschool and childhood playmates ----in addition to visiting with close high school chums---- as well as getting to know all the nice spouses was simply FABULOUS! So much so in fact, I never ate Friday night! My husband said the food was good. Truthfully, I never saw the food until the staff began removing the trays. The fresh pineapple spear I grabbed was tasty.

Saturday morning the rainy weather was perfect for the mood of the events. Touring the school building itself and analyzing how it has changed reminded me I too am older. The rededication of the war memorial in its enlarged environment now has likewise grown into maturity -- so pleasing to see. I just remembered my fledgling salesmanship begging classmates for a two dollar donation for a class project and arguments over ideas for a class gift.

Saturday evening was comfortable enjoyment....I knew by then the people with whom I wished to spend more precious time. And not surprisingly, they were the same people I chose to be friends with 40 years ago. Personalities apparently do not change as much as they just mellow and glow.

With the statement, "Fat, Dumb, and Happy is not all bad" Mr Rose often greeted his accelerated classes . And after the 40th reunion, I understand the meaning of his quote in context. I was just there, being me, without having done anything for it. I enjoyed the events and the people.

On the plane ride home I read our book. I kept wondering how and when our lost classmates died? I also wondered why so many still living in the Kansas City area did not come to the events, and why others did not write a note about themselves for our book? Too successful to be bothered, or a feeling of failure? With the Shawnee Mission East graduating Class of 59, there is no such thing. Was the event too expensive? Did they really not care about the rest of us then –or now? I chose to think those missing, for whatever reason, simply made an unfortunate decision and will correct it if we have a 50th reunion. Thanks to all who helped make the 40th event possible. Perhaps the greatest compliment I can send to the committee is to say, my husband had a good time!

1. Madelyn Voigts should have had more children thereby made an even greater contribution to the national gene pool. (Molly was marvelous!!!)

2. Next time we should require Alan Parker to come in person and not be allowed to send a look-a-like from central casting who was obviously 20 years younger than the real thing.

3. How did 10% of the First Class sneak out to California and none of us knew it?? If the trend continues, maybe we can have our 80th on the Left Coast in "Seizure Villaage."

4. There should have been a rule aagainst allowing people to announce they are "retired" at age 58, when a few of us are still struggling with college tuition. Congratulations to those with more wisdom and investment savy!

5. It's too bad that Dick Heimovics (aka "Slimy") has lost his old high energy edge and similarly that Bill Schaefer's dry sense of humor has ebbed in his waning years!

6. The original Winsteads in the Plaza should be dubbed a National Historic Landmark and reduced to its original size with the old, dark parking lot - restored to its glory - great memories of necking time - Becky/Dick!

7. We didn't think it was one bit cute to invite Karl England since he looked younger than most of us!

8. Can one of our medical experts explain how Dick Keller went from being the tallest member of our graduating class to barely being in the top 5 forty years later?, (Probably just a consequence of having four daughters who collectively expect to attend college for a total of 36 year!)

9. Dick Moser was ok as our communications guru and all-around cheer leader and organizer, but next time we should appoint someone who is willing to devote his whole life, expertise, talent, organizational skill, energy and leadership. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT GUY!!!!!! Maybe now that it is winding down he can get some life.

10 Best quote from the reunion: "Jan Jobson not only suscribes to Gourmet Magazine, she actually uses it! Does she ever!

1. Special THANKS to all the members of the Reunion Committee for countless, but certainly not thankless, hours in putting together this once-in-a-lifetime event. You have certainly set the bar high for successive classes who follow your example.

2. It is hard to pick out highlights during those two spectacular days, but certainly the most touching would have to be the rededication of the veteran's memorial and the most interesting (if not actually awesome) the tour of the high school plant that did so much to shape our lives. It is obviously more impressive now than when we left it.

3. It was definitely a joy to observe the generally high level of success, prosperity and good health of our classmates. Congratulations to all of us for making a lot of wise choices!

5. At the risk of reiterating number 1 above, it was remarkable that we turned out such a high percentage of the class - especially out-of-towners. Obviously great leadership and hard work beget great results.

The reunion wasn’t what I expected it to be. Dick Moser came the closest to describing my reaction afterward: exhaustion. I was exhausted from happy and sad emotions. Most of them were happy. Why was I sad? Part of the reason, I think, was that I subconsciously expected the reunion to take us back to being as we were in 1959. Armchair Freudian psychology says that I want to fight and repress accepting my age.

Who were those people at the reunion I had never seen before? Some of them were at the 25th too, and I still don’t know who they are. And what were my motives in befriending and taking pictures of a few of them? I don’t know, but I’m thankful for doing that. A new benefit from the 40th is a chance to get to know those classmates that I didn’t know in high school. And I think they feel the same about me.

Why didn’t I spend more quality time talking with friends I knew best, such as Tim McConnell, Bob Bradley, Jean Taylor and so many others. Why didn’t my closest buds attend the reunion: Chuck Barnes, Doug Guthrie, and Jon Rice? I also missed seeing Susan Bras, Joanie Cooper, and so many others.

Why didn’t I take more pictures? One of the reasons I like to take pictures at public events is to feel productive, to quell part of my real nature—shyness, but after a while some people whine a little about "you again" or "what’s this all about". So, I start to feel that enough is enough—only afterwards to regret not having taken more. I stopped taking pictures after the morning event at Shawnee Mission, but now wish I had taken a few more rolls of film. A few good pictures only come from taking many pictures. Today, I am sending Dick Moser pictures. Most are good. A few are really good. Hope you enjoy them. There will never be a second opportunity from the 40th, but there will be at future reunions.

Coincidentally, the week after the reunion I bumped into and recognized, from his picture in our new biography book, another of our classmates at National Airport in Washington, DC. I called him by name. He did a double take, saying: "James Michael Murray. You sure look old." He didn’t attend the reunion, but told me his former wife called leaving a "hysterical message" about her reunion impressions. I must point out though that this fellow has always had a good sense of humor and delights in off the wall comments.

Back to sadness, after the reunion I experienced a mild depression, sadness. Confiding in a friend, she helped me see that my reaction was common. She theorized that the aging process is difficult.

As to awareness of the aging process, a recent interview article with James Hillman, published in Modern Maturity (AARP), November-December, 1999, helped me to put aging into a better perspective.

"There is a great deal of human life that cannot be measured, including the values that enrich older age: the deepening and refining of character, how we appreciate the world, our increased sense of beauty.

"We tend to erase or demean the oldness we see around us. We live in a society where an old face is not regarded as something beautiful, important or valuable. But we need to ask ourselves how this absence affects a society, when there are no images that represent depth, wisdom, suffering, or passion—the power and intensity of being old."

Reflecting on a few excerpts from the interview article from Hillman’s book, "The Force of Character and the Lasting Life", he said:

"We shouldn’t fight the aging process. The more we try to last, the more afraid we become, since we’re going against the innate intelligence of human nature. Trying to last produces the very condition we are trying to hold off, and can become a self-fulfilling prophecy."

Hillman continued:

"Do you think the capacity for love deepens when we reach old age? I do. A certain love for the world deepens recognition of its beauty. It’s amazing how some old people who had miserable lives are grateful in old age just to have been here, to have gone through it all. Relationships can certainly become richer provided old people aren’t trying to recapture the experiences of their youth. There seems to be more acceptances in the love between old people, more respect for the other person and their foibles. We learn to appreciate our partner’s oddities, and to realize what a miracle it is. . .we become more interested in each other’s souls; that’s the truly interesting part."

On Reunion Saturday my wife, Jean, and I called up Margaret Hogan and Wilma White to ask if we could come over for a brief visit. The last time I had seen them was in 1984, which also happens to be the last time I visited KC. As many of you probably know, they have lived just west of the Plaza since we were in school. Someone at the reunion mentioned that they had seen Margaret on TV recently crusading against some development in the Plaza so I expected that they were still going strong. I just wouldn’t have guessed how strong. As the picture below shows, they look great. Margaret must be pumping iron because she looks positively buff. They’ve been retired since 1981 and they are living proof to the legion of classmates who have already taken that step that long, productive, and happy retirements can happen.

They have a few cats to which they devote a bit of attention, and they read a lot. But their real passion seems to be politics and civic causes. They have been involved in efforts, probably continual, to control inappropriate (at least in their minds) development/redevelopment of the Plaza. They went door to door to stop the construction of a high-rise on the Plaza. This is no easy feat in a neighborhood built on hills with long flights of stairs up to the front doors. And they were involved in the redevelopment of the area south of Winsteads. They seem incredibly energetic and nowhere near ready to just sit back and take it easy.

We showed them the reunion book and I was amazed at the extent to which they remember us, not just our names but specific things about us. I’ve been teaching for a few years now and I know how difficult it is to even remember an ex-student’s name, far less anything salient about that student. They even asked to receive a copy of the book. It is no wonder so many of us have fond memories of them. They must have been incredibly involved in our lives and our education to remember so much about us. I always thought that they were our greatest teachers but now I am beginning to understand why.

They’re in the phonebook and they live right down on the plaza. I would urge any of you who would like to renew their acquaintance to give them a call and see if they can fit you into their busy schedules.

There was never any doubt that I would come to K.C. for the reunion. The twenty-fifth was a great pleasure for me, and I had hopes that the fortieth would be as good. It was. A few people who hadn't made it fifteen years ago came, and that was almost reward enough. Then there were those who were particularly important to me in 1959, people that I was drawn to because of their kindness, intelligence and sense of humor. They were there this year as well.

There were also people here this time that I hardly knew in 1959, people with so much to offer, people that I never took the time to know. At least I got to know some of them a little bit this time.

I have spent some time since that Saturday night trying to understand why this coming together meant so much to me. If was for me an opportunity to understand a little better what I have become, how my life has gone. A reminder of where I came from and, as much I can know it, who I was back then. I believe that we were collectively part of something special. Not the best, not the greatest, not the smartest, not the most talented (necessarily), but special nonetheless. We were first and we were by and large friends. We started some traditions that live still, and we came back together to celebrate those accomplishments.

I greatly regret that I had so little time to speak with those I spoke to, and no time to speak with those to whom I failed to speak. I am sorry that I missed so many of you.

I send my sincere thanks to Dick H., Ann, Sherry, Dawn, John, Bonnie and my dear friend Dick Moser for all the efforts that went into such a successful weekend. For any I have neglected to mention, thank you very much indeed.

Finally, I would like to pay tribute to three of my most cherished friends, people I miss greatly and think about frequently, people who were and are a part of my history. Ted Pearson. Don McKillop. Stephanie Smith. Gone too soon

My impressions and thoughts on the reunion: It was really great to see and get reacquainted with old friends. A lot of old memories and now a lot of new memories.

Friday was by far the best night, a night to look at faces and try to remember who they are. I feel like by Saturday evening, everyone was brouoping and it was hard to talk with people.

I just could not understand how everyone else looked the same (and so young) and I looked so much different and older.

Regrets are that a lot more people did not come, especially those in KC. I know there are a lot of excuses for them not coming, just don't know who had the best excuse. I will probably make a lot of people mad with that comment. In one of (my earlier) email messages, I (said) that I had talked with someone here in KC and they told me they thought reunions were a lot of bunk. He told me that they were just a place for people to talk about their accomplishments. My feeling is that, by the time we have been out of school forty years surely that is not all we have to say. You (ed.: Dick) told me that you felt that at this time in your life people were important to you. I feel the same way: sometimes it is nice to recapture a piece of your youth.