In
the late months of 1962 and early months of 1963 the Bedford High School class
of 1981 was born. At that time our worlds revolved around whoever was changing
our diapers and feeding us, most likely our parents. We grew in the confines of
our family and once they trusted us to listen to their rules and regulations
they opened the back door and said,
“Go
make some friends.”
We
did as we were told and our little worlds expanded. Then one day they put us on
a bus and we were told,
“Go
learn something and make some more friends.”
The
community had several different grade schools and your geographical location
determined which building you entered for the next 7 years. Unless you were one
of the few, like me, that were sent to toil under the wrath of the nuns in
Catholic school. We all did our 7 year sentences and widened our group of
friends. We knew there were others like us in different locations and as the
years went along we would actually meet some of them in the 7th
grade. There were two junior high schools waiting for us to converge, half of
the community in Moody Junior High and the other half in Heskett Junior High.
When
they opened those doors for us we were now 2 groups of pimple faced, wide eyed,
know it all Junior High School students waiting for the day we would be one
class. And in 1978 we, the Bedford High School Class of 1981 were all under one
roof. While navigating our new surroundings we formed new friendships. We
joined groups, both academic and athletic. We had three years to make our mark in
Bedford High School. Some of us excelled and stood out, while others blended
in. We became bonded whether we wanted to or not, we were the class of ’81,
forever joined through fate.
When
we graduated we vowed to stay friends. Then we scattered, some off to college,
others joined the work force right away. Some of us married and had children.
Others moved out of state, joined the military and we lost some along the way.
This
year we turned 50, unbelievable but we are all 50 years old. On August 3, 2013
some of us got together and had a big birthday party for ourselves. It was a
great party and so wonderful to see my classmates. We were slowly drawn
together throughout our adolescence and will be for the rest of our lives. I am
happy to say I am a part of this fine group of people. From the day we held
hands walking into our Kindergarten classes to the day we hugged and cried
after we threw our graduation caps into the air, we are one, we are the Bedford
High School Class of 1981.