BISHOP McDEVITT CLASS OF 1967 and their CHRISTMAS GATHERING in DECEMBER 2023

 A VERY GOOD TIME WAS ENJOYED 

WITH McD '67 CLASSMATES AND SPOUSES

 

It's December 2023.  Another year is almost over.  This year we are 56 years since high school graduation, yet many classmates continue to meet about 4 times a year for dinners and friendship  

In 2017, we had a fantastic and memorable 50th Year Reunion.  

In 2022, we followed that with a 55th Year Reunion that was also very good.  

Other than Class Reunions every 5 years, we also have Class Gatherings about every 4 months.  These are always eagerly awaited and joyfully attended.  Always lots of laughs and always a good time to catch up on what we are doing and experiencing as individuals and their families.  And also, something new, having advanced well into our 70s, health issues are often discussed, and thus, we always remember one another with caring concern and prayers when we are together and apart.

THE EVENT

This year's Christmas Event was held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at The Wharf Grill on Derry Street in Harrisburg, PA.  That's been our regular gathering place since food and service are always good.  Food choices are very often well complimented as being very good.

We had about 20 classmates who attended along with numerous spouses.  Over the years and many gatherings, classmates have grown to be closer friends and spouses have grown to be well known friends along with classmates.

WHY DO WE CONTINING GETTING TOGETHER AFTER 56 YEARS?

Those who attend the reunions and gatherings find enjoyment in the comradery in reconnecting and connecting with friends and classmates with whom we spent much time together in and out of school in those very formative and developmental years of our lives.  Those we ran with in school reconnect to remember those good times in the Twin Towers.  Those who hardly knew one another during those teen years are now connecting to form new friendships.

As we age, classmates are discovering the desire to be more involved with one another as we work through the physical challenges of growing older and even some challenges that families face.  We have often felt the presence of the prayers of others as we go through those challenges.  These gatherings do offer good times and laughter and friendship.  They also offer times when we can share our challenging life experiences with one another. At times, a classmate might come in a wheelchair, another might come using a cane, some come as they go through or have been through illnesses and injuries and surgeries.  And very reverently noted, a classmate might come after recently losing their spouse in the life that they shared.  In each case, those classmates find support from other classmates and spouses.  Yet, despite those challenges, they still come even though it might take quite an effort to get there on their own or with the help of a spouse or someone else.

Who even could have thought in 1967, that over 50 years later, we would be finding opportunity for friendship and support from classmates and their spouses in their "golden" years?  Surely, no one.  But that is the case now for the McD '67 classmates and their spouses.

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?

Over the years, we have tried to get other classmates to attend our reunions and gatherings.  Often, those encouragements seem to go unheeded.  During those years, we have learned this - we want to see you at our gatherings of classmates and spouses because you are highly valued and we very seriously want to see you again, again, and again.  We know that there are valid reasons why some classmates do not attend.  Maybe they can't attend because of travel, illness, or other reasons.  Maybe they see no value for them in attending.  Maybe social aspects are a deterrent, or some past hurt that was suffered is a deterrent.  Whatever, the reason, know this -   you are highly valued by classmates and your presence would be much appreciated.

As I have grown older in the final quarter of life, I have fondly remembered many people I have worked with and been friends with, even as far back as when I was 15 years old in 1965 in my first job at a grocery store, and then forward to those I worked with in the 1970s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s.  When I think of them, I wonder why I am remembering them and, after repeated remembrances, I consider the possibility of finding them and reconnecting with them.  I have done that with many people, and I continue to do that with others.   I always go with the thought of, "This may be the last opportunity to talk with them and even see them before they or I am gone".   And often, after visiting them and having a nice reunion, sometimes within weeks, or months, or a couple of years, they do pass from this life.  Then, and also before then, I am thankful that we had that brief time to share with one another again, even if it was the very last time.  There are many stories I have to tell about reconnecting with these friends that I expect to share at another time.

It's good to share what's happening with the classmates of McD Class of 67.  Consider attending future events.  We will be glad to see you again.

We may not have your correct contact information.  If you want to connect by email, phone, or otherwise, please send your contact information to JamesEBarbush@GMail.com or text to (717) 514-5549.  We look forward to seeing and hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Jim Barbush

2021 Blue Mountain Parkway

Harrisburg, PA 17112

ATTENDEES: 20 Classmates and 7 Spouses