It was a whirlwind weekend, a perfect cap to the whirlwind passage of 50 years. Steve and I arrived in Penfield, NY around 4:00 yesterday, just in time to change clothes and leave at 5:00 for the big event of his high school class’s 50-Year Reunion Weekend.

We pulled into the parking lot of the Shadow Lake Golf Club and found the large white tent where the dinner would be held. It sat beside a sparkling pond I later learned had been called “The Quarry,” a natural, spring-fed pond known for its skinny-dipping legend. At least that’s what I heard from a variety of Steve’s classmates, though I haven’t yet been able to confirm the factuality of that legend.

I enjoyed going as a guest rather than as an alumni, because it allowed me to people-watch and listen to nostalgic stories I heard throughout the night.

Here are a just a few of my favorite moments:

The High School/College Sweetheart

When we entered the large tent, we stopped at the registration table. The woman behind the table threw up her arms and said, “SteveVanek!” I smiled and felt a warmth of old friends reunited. I turned to look at the enchanting room filled with large round tables and twinkling lights, as well as lots of people hugging and smiling.

Then, I saw Sue, Steve’s high school sweetheart, waiting just in front of the registration table, a slight smile on her face as she seemed to patiently wait for Steve to see her. When he did, both of their faces lit up. They said each other’s names in unison, then hugged warmly. I imagined what that moment must have been like for them. Sue then turned to me and introduced herself and gave me a hug, too.

Later in the evening, Lynn, the wife of one of Steve’s best friends told me she was going to find the ladies’ room and asked if I wanted to come. When we returned and approached our table, I saw Sue sitting in my chair, talking to Steve and sharing old scrapbooks. I told Lynn I was going to wait a bit, to give Steve and Sue a chance to catch up. So, Lynn and I had a few minutes to get to know each other. She told me about how she and her husband, also, a “Steve,” double-dated to the Senior Prom with Steve and Sue. She told me stories of what happened that night. (I’ll keep that part a secret, to protect the innocent.) 🙂 But I laughed upon hearing those stories.

We returned to the table after Sue left, but she returned a couple of times to catch up some more and to tell Steve he could have any of the photos from the albums that he’d like to have.

Too soon, the night was over. When we left, Steve gave Sue a hug, then again, she hugged me and softly said, “Take care of him.” That was a sentimental moment for me. Throughout the evening, I’d wondered what she might be feeling, because I know how I’ve felt at past reunions. I was happy she and Steve were able to catch up, and I was happy that she expressed, in her own way, that she still cares about him.

The War Hero

Though the presence of Steve’s old girlfriend was expected, I did not expect to listen to a speech from a 99-year old World War II veteran. Coach Steitz is a former baseball and soccer coach from Penfield High School. He spoke about his fond memories of being a coach, then began to tell us a story we might not know about him — that as a 19-year old, he was one of the soldiers who stormed the beaches at Normandy. I believe he is the first World War II veteran I’ve heard talk about his experience in person. It was striking to think of him as a 19-year old, or any 19-year old, fighting such a battle. I was in awe not only of his history, but of his ability at 99 to attend and speak at the reunion, as well as every other reunion that takes place in the area.

The most astonishing thing to me was that as we left around 10:15 pm (well past my bed time!), Coach Steitz was still sitting at a table talking to people!

Old Friendships

This was my favorite part of all — seeing Steve reunited with the “boys” he grew up with, as well as fellow teammates on his football and basketball teams. Steve will be embarrassed for me to say this in my post, but he was one of the stars on both teams. Yes, I’m talking about my quiet, unassuming husband. Many people approached him, exclaiming, “Steve Vanek!” and I’d see his face either light up with excitement to see someone after so many years, or smile politely, until the person held up their badge with a high school picture. Upon recognizing them, his face, too, would light up.

We sat at a table with two of his closest friends, friends he’s known since the age of 10. They talked about old times, how they “saved” the floundering football team, how you did NOT want to get hit on the field by Steve Vanek, denial that they’d ever gone skinny-dipping at The Quarry, and other mischief they got into in the many years they’d known each other from 5th grade through college.

We all shared stories of our children and grandchildren. About retirement, travels, hopes, dreams, and even regrets. When the time came for the night to end, there were lots of hugs and promises to stay in touch. I believe the closest friends will stay in touch, but it was poignant to walk out of the tent and realize Steve might not ever see many of his alumni again.

In my “pre-reunion” post from yesterday (wow–so much has happened and I learned so much, it seems like a year ago!) I talked about looking forward to finding pieces to the “puzzle of Steve.” Last night, I gathered a few more lovely pieces, childhood memories that when added to the puzzle, make a more complete picture of who Steve is today.