A Long-Distance Reunion

A milestone anniversary is approaching for me and my college buddies.

The problem is, we can't get enough people to attend a reunion. One college mate lives in Clearwater, one lives in Albany, another in Chicago, another in Sherwood Forest, another in Nashville, and I am in Raleigh. A few other college mates that we might lure are also in various parts of the U.S.

It would be a shame for us not to get together. It's been 10 years since the larger group has assembled and five years since the smaller group has. However, as we age, people tend to be reluctant to hop on a plane, lay down bucks for a hotel and other expenses, and take time out of their normal routines.

I'm always up for meetings. One never knows when someone will not be able to attend in the future because of death, illness, or whatever. Others drop out along the way and decide that they simply don't want to keep up anymore or they don't see the value of meeting. What a shame.

I thought about the situation and said, “Okay, what if we schedule a Zoom meeting? Sure, the event will look a little like Hollywood Squares, and people will have to take turns talking, but that would be a viable solution – especially if everybody has a webcam and is showing themselves in real time, as opposed to some staid picture.”

With Zoom, no one will have to travel. Everyone can participate from the convenience of their den or office. We'd feel as if we had been together, in a manner of speaking, and maybe even feel prompted to physically meet once again in the future. Who can say?

This much I know: Reunions serve a useful purpose. They help to solidify our memories. They instill in us feelings of friendship and bonds that once mattered, if indeed, they still matter today. Reunions can be uplifting and revitalizing. They are reminders of who we were, who we are, and potentially who we can be, going forward.

Human connection, as any psychology or sociology book will explain, is a vital part of human existence. Those who feel unconnected tend to stray. Most serial killers, psychopaths, and otherwise lost souls have few or no connections. People who are well connected seem to be the happiest. People with big families, many friends, and lots of engaging activities seem to do well in life.

Our Zoom session, as I envision it, can occur in early November. I'll report back what happens then. I'm hoping for the best, and why would it be any other way? If we can agree on a time and a day, and everybody has the right equipment and is looking forward to the session, why wouldn't it be engaging, uplifting, nostalgic, and inspiring in some ways?