Truro Get Together at Donald's

Donald, AKA "the Duck" has been at the center of our class reunion for as many years as it existed.He is an old class mate of mine starting at grade one in the old Red Brick School in 1941. We more or less travelled through our educational journey in tandem although he was a better scholar and gained the attention of the teachers by his positive contributions. I had similar experiences with some of my teachers although I was demonized by a few who never took the time to understand my needs and untapped ability.

We attended teachers college and were in the same class along with 25 others and were even twinned for our long term practise teaching in Cape Breton. We go along way back and still communicate in a special way.When visiting Truro, Theresa and I become house guests and love our shared time with The Duck. This year there was a smaller number of people coming to the reunion. However when it came time for us to get tickets for the banquet and dance there were none available. Donald in his own way decided to turn in his ticket in a move to make a point.

A couple of well intended classmates jumped to the rescue and found some tickets and asked us to purchase them and keep the class united for the important final event of the reunion. I in my stubborn way did not accept the kind offer and instead decided to take Donald out for supper and join the group at his house immediately after.

The mood of our group is always great and this year it was no different as we usually think of our reunion as the pre festivities hosted by a class member. This year we visited Yarmouth and had a wonderful time experiencing the special hospitality in spite of the famous Yarmouth fog.

We are coming up to our 60th year and are trying to decide how to celebrate. With the exceptional celebrations our class has experienced over the years we will be hard pressed to match or exceed the past events. Our class is solid and whatever is decided I can assure you that it will still have that wonderful warm feeling you get when we share time together.

Busy Days Ahead

We call these days the dog days of summer but for Theresa and I they are the busy days of summer. During the next days we have many special events to attend. Parties for the 80 year old neighbour who works harder than anyone I have known. A crossing guard during the school year and works on her large property every day and misses her kids all summer. She built her double driveway with bricks a couple of years ago and tore it up and did it again because there was a little dip in one place. She is Scottish and proud of our neighbourhood. When I was unable to do much after surgery she wanted to do my work as well. Needless to say I got better real quick.

A wedding on the weekend is going to be a highlight and on Friday we are attending a party where we will meet the in laws for the first time.It looks like I will have to dress up three times this week and that will be a pleasant change. This wedding will be special as it will be our first grand daughter to get married. Theresa and I will be happy to share time with all our family and new folks from the other side of the family.

We then will be taking Doris to the airport who will fly away to New Brunswick to visit her family and friends. On her return we will be celebrating her 95th birthday.

We need a break so hope to have a great time at my teacher's college reunion in Nova Scotia soon after. At that time we will share time with my family in Cape Breton. Sounds hectic but we really look forward to the busy days of summer.

Annual Reunion Of Classmates From NSTC

Our class reunion from Nova Scotia Normal School is being held this weekend in Truro. Theresa and I are missing it because of circumstances which we thought were beyond our control. The truth is we could have attended as my surgery was cancelled. This year it was special as our class were having the couple of days before the formal reunion in St. Peters, Cape Breton.

The get together is being hosted by one of our retirees, Eva, who was the first appointed school inspector in N.S. who just happened to be a lady as well. Our class have been in the habit of making the annual reunion a special event with a gathering somewhere for a few days of social interaction. Our class is the only one which has had such a bond and as we are in our 56th year it is quite a record.

There are a few dedicated people who keep the group alive and vibrant and maintain good communication. This reunion is more than a gathering of old teachers, but also a group which has embraced family and friends as well. We are getting older with an average age of just about 75 but when we get together we are all 18 again.

There is something special about our group which resonates every time one of us is experiencing a turn in our lives; we receive warm and meaningful support. Our networking seems to work and we all benefit from this ring of a supporting cast. Yes we do gossip at our gatherings, catch up on the latest information about those who are not there to defend themselves and remember those who are no longer with us. Most of have been in the position where we lost loved ones and friends but the group stays strong because the collective energy of the members is stronger than any individual.

I don't know where the next meeting of our class will meet but I know that we will meet and I intend to be there to share a few days with colleagues and friends.I am sure as well that this blog will be analyzed for spelling and syntax as we will always be teachers at heart.

The Duck Is Calling

Each year around this time I receive a letter from The Duck. He has a real name but for 65 years or longer he was known simply as The Duck. Now he is long retired as we all are and he keeps our group together with phone calls, pictures and letters about the upcoming reunion. This is rather special as it is our 55th and a special program is assured.

Our particular class of Normal College has been getting together without fail for every year since our graduation. He and a faithful few work to plan an interesting program for all who attend. This year we are going to seek out entertainment in the little village of Parrsboro. A play by a noted company, dinner and several visits to local cottages will fill in the time before the real reunion in Truro, N.S.

For some of us it is the only time we see each other but for the gang who live nearby they get to see each other frequently. Our group is getting smaller as death has taken a few of our number each year. I personally feel the reason we get together is to keep up with the latest gossip and to feel that special bond we have created over the years. It is fun and Theresa and I manage to attend quite often although we are far away from the main group.

I have attended many reunions for schools and groups but I never get the feeling I enjoy with the PNC Gang. Together we experience happiness and joy from the renewal of friendship and a little sadness when one of us is missing from the festivities. There will be much communication before the event and sharing of pictures after but the important reason will be experienced through the hugs and kisses and exchange of stories on the weekend when The Duck will rule the roost in his basement in Truro.