Torrey Pines High School Class of 1987 20 Year Reunion

Last Saturday night I attended my 20 year high school reunion. My nurse, Ernie accompanied me. It is hard to believe that 20 years have elapsed since the graduation ceremony on the quad at Torrey Pines High School (Del Mar, California). I remember driving along the procession in my power wheelchair and my mortar board hat kept falling off. My classmate, Evan Himfar, who was following behind me in the procession kept retrieving my hat and putting it back on my head. I never could get hats to stay on my head. But, the highlight of the ceremony was when I drove on stage to accept my diploma, I received a standing ovation from my class. To this day, I cherish that moment.

In some ways it feels that graduation was only yesterday, yet other times it feels like ages ago. Time flies and I am left with fond and not so fond memories. High school was full of a mix of both. Yet if we didn't have bad memories, the fond memories would not be so sweet. I am glad to have been a part of the class of '87. For the most part, it was, and still is a fine group of people.

It was interesting see how everybody has changed in the last 20 years. Some people have changed more than others. Some people were hard to recognize, yet others were unmistakable after all these years. No one had trouble recognizing me. It is hard not to miss me since I was the only student in my class in a wheelchair.

The Reunion was held at the Marriot Hotel Del Mar. Over 2oo people showed up, a far better turnout than the 10 year reunion. People were more at ease at this reunion. After10 years people are still out to prove themselves. After 20 years this pressure is less evident. I felt a positive vibe in that ballroom. People were mingling all over the room. Very few seemed to ever sit down. It was great to hear the joyful sounds of laughter and of delight of reunion with classmates not seen for many years. There was so much chatter that it was hard to hear. Even the music was drowned out. That just proves that there was a good time. Everybody was so busy talking that few people danced. Hearing the music of the times brought back many memories.


I really enjoyed visiting with people I haven't seen in years, and people I didn't know. I felt that they were glad to see me. Many people were probably surprised that I am still alive and kicking. There were times when I wondered if I would see this day. It was even better that I have my voice back so I was able to talk.