The Reunion . . .

The Reunion occurred last weekend in New Roads. It was spearheaded by three out of the Class of 1958 - Eloise (Patin) Futrell, Al Fabrre, and Julie (Hebert) Smith. They did all the organizing and leg work locating old class mates, making the contacts, getting the Parish Hall at St. Mary's and hiring a cateror. The school of course was St Josephs Academy, a school run by the Sisters of St Joseph of Medialle. The school is no more but it spawned Catholic High School of Pointe Coupee - a premier private school located in the heart of New Roads.

It was fun. It was fun to see the old faces that have changed with age. It was fun hearing about other peoples woes, grandchildren and achievements. It was fun seeing all the changes. It was not fun to learn of the demise of class mates and the other tragedies that have or are occuring.

It was really surprising at all the success. Most of the men had gone on to graduate from college, more than a few Phds, a Doctor, a lawyer and an architect. And yes, me, an old miltiary man (there was more than one there). There were millionaires and there were many that were not, but who cares and who is counting.

Many stories were told, old pictures exchanged (s0mebody came up with a picture of my first commuion - well it was after the rite but it was out side of St Mary's). It was clearly me so I could not deny it. It must have been the first or second grade.

There were a few that could not make it. Too bad, it was fun and renewed old relationships. More than a few from Poydras were there - they married grads of St Josephs Academy just as we married them. Poydras was the public high school and it too is gone as a school, the building is now an office building and owned by the Historical Society.

Some surprises, such as one of our classmates has turned into a recluse. The break up of a marriage led to his withdrawal. The son of another graduate is now a US Congressman. No he is not the son of the Lawyer.

Many of us had gray hair, some a lot, so did not have their hair and some were losing it (like me). One did not have a gray hair in his head. We were all sure it was dyed but we were assured by his spouse it was all his and not dyed at all.

Some of us looked fit as a fiddle and some looked like they were on their last legs. One was in his power wheel chair but most of us were still motoring around on our own with little or no trouble.

There were four class together at this reunion. Although it was the Class of 1958 leading the way, the Classes of 1956, 1957 and 1959 were included. Many were married to each other and some of us were close to friends in other classes. It was a good gathering and we had one nun in the mix to cheer us own.

Somebody was running around and taking pictures left and right. I got a few email addresses and we did receive a roster with addresses of all the class mates.

Some of us wishfully hoped for another reunion say in 25 years but then there would be little attendance at the old folks home.

We did our usual return trip via Marksville, LA and stopped at the indian casino. We did not even gamble, we just paid the fees for the buffet and enjoyed the good food. If you are ever in central Louisiana, go to Marksville and eat at the Casino. The food is terrific. Oh, you can gamble too, if you are into that kind of thing. Biggest gambling area this side of Las Vegas. The place is huge.

As we crossed the Morganza Spillway, the water in forebay was receding, but the water had been well up against the floodgates. Kind of awesome looking out across a vast expanse of water - may three or four miles out to the river and then across the river. I'd guess it might be 7 or 8 miles wide there.

Until next time . . .