FIRST LOVE

A few years ago my wife and I were attending my 48th high school class reunion. The class of ’44 had met several times before but this was the first time I was able to attend.

The reunion was held at the local restaurant in my hometown. After receiving our name tags and upon entering, the whole class seemed to yell in unison. "My God, look at the runt, he finally grew up!" I was just sixteen and would hardly weigh one hundred pounds soaking wet on graduation day.

I replied, "My God, I was supposed to attend a class reunion. This looks like the dining room of an old age retirement home!"

There were thirty-six graduates in the class of ’44 and thirty-three were still alive and kicking. Most of them, along with their spouses were in attendance. I was the youngest and to tell the truth as I looked around the room I definitely felt like it. I leaned over and whispered to my wife, "Do I look that old?"

Naoma replied, "Honey, you look ten years younger than anyone here!" I simply took her at her word.

We were mingling with my former classmates and their spouses when we were approached by a very attractive lady with white hair, smiling and saying, "You may not remember me but I am…………….."

"My God, Helen Graham!" I interrupted. We embraced and kissed each other, right there on the spot. For a few short moments, time had suddenly vanished and we were once again in that wonderful world of innocent romance found only in the anticipation of youth.

"That woman Helen is in love with you, I can tell." Naoma said as she punched me in the side with her finger while we were driving home.

"The feeling is mutual honey. That was my first love!" I replied.

In a knowing, sighing kind of way she patted my knee and replied "Oh, that don’t ever go away, not completely!"

I was content!