Tomorrow morning, I'm headed to Declo, Idaho with my parents and older sister, Heidi. I haven't been to Declo (with the exception of a couple hours for my grandma's burial) in over 20 years. What this means is, I'm old. Yes, I haven't been back there since some of you reading this were just wee babes. Trust me, I understand the significance of this.
I went to Declo High School for my freshman and sophmore years. (Plus, half of 8th grade.) I was on the drill team and a cheerleader- see the picture. The knee socks are awful, but look at those legs!! I really loved Declo, I had my first 'going steady' boyfriend, my first kiss and my first love. Also, my very best friend. I loved it so much that when we moved, I laid on my bed everyday for a month. Imagine how thrilled my parents were with me. I got over it eventually, and I was left with great memories and some really great friends.
Here's the thing. I haven't wanted to go. When my mom first mentioned it months ago, I thought, "OK, I'm sure I'll have lost weight by then." Well, the 10 lbs I've lost are great, but not much considering how much I've gained since high school. Heidi really wanted me to come, so, finally, I decided I'd do it. "I'll go. I'll go. I'll go." (Great scene from Ferris Bueller, if you're one of those wee babes and haven't seen it, rent it.) I'm going, but to tell the truth, I'm a little bit freaked out. I know that the people I went to high school with don't look the same either, but it's just all those insecurities coming out. I don't know what to wear or how to do my hair so I'll look 50 lbs lighter. Any tips?
Seriously, though, I had a real eye opener last week. A friend in our ward was diagnosed with cancer. She's young and has three young kids. My heart has been so heavy thinking of her and praying for her. It made me stop and think. And, what I realized is this- Life is too short.
Life is too short to worry about what my hair looks like. Life is too short to worry about what I'm wearing. Life is too short to worry about my weight. And, life is definitely too short to miss the chance to see old friends and spend time with them. Will I still worry about how I look? Yes. But, I will kick those fears aside and step forward and embrace life. I'll take pictures and let you know how it went. Have a great weekend.
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7 comments:
You are right -- life is fragile!!remember to CHERISH TODAY!:)
Why are you going? REunion? Whatever the case -- ENJOY!
Thanks so much for taking care of Garrett at Scouts -- he had a great time today!!
Can't wait to hear about it....good for you for going. You are beautiful and should not worry about what you wear or how your hair looks...you always look gorgeous!
Well??? How did it go!? Every bit of angst you shared is exactly what's kept me from going back for any high school reunions, sadly. I'm proud of you for keeping your perspective and head high! You are smokin' hot! and have not a thing to be worried about and remember that 40's are the new 20's baby!
you need to post on how it went! and you know you're absolutely beautiful even though you're not a size 2! Who is these days anyway?
I kinda felt the same way about my last trip to NZ. They all knew me to be much thinner than I was when I went. I was so worried that I kept apologizing and making excuses and I had already lost 13lbs. When I got there my sister-in-law said that she thought I was going to be much bigger because of how much I went on about it. I learned that I'm more concerned about my appearance than anyone else is. People see through to the person that you are. I understand though. Good for you, I'm glad you went.
Hey Julie, this is Heidi (in the ward). Sorry, I was bored and was blogger stalking - clicking from one to another and came across yours, hope you do not mind.
I hope your trip to Idaho was fun.
Don't you love Ferris Bueller's Day Off? That is such a great movie.
I absolutely LOVE your cute little cheerleading picture. You are such a beautiful girl. I feel for you with your dilema, I'm proud that you went to your reunion. Life is too short, you won't regret going.
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