Over the weekend I accompanied my Dad to his 65th college reunion. I can't tell you how special this was. First, there was the one-on-one time with my Dad. I'm one of four kids, so it is a particular treat when I get him to myself. We had loads of time to talk on the drive up and back through Massachusetts, and plenty of fun roaming the campus as well. (My Dad has extraordinary energy!) On top of that, my Dad and I share an alma mater, and a love for our college, so going back has particular resonance for both of us.
But what was deeply poignant was spending time with the Class of '46. Most of these gentlemen are my Dad's age - 87. Many, like my Dad, had their educations interrupted by the war. My father arrived on campus in 1942, but enlisted in the army after his freshman year. He was soon fighting in Germany. (In fact, on our drive home yesterday, he reminded me to keep two hands on the wheel, and was soon off on a story about an army jeep he was in that overturned on a bridge while he was taking part in an invasion.)
Anyway, by the time my father returned to campus, he was a no longer a sheltered teenager, but a grown man who had seen combat, liberated concentration camps, and he - and many of his veteran classmates - had little patience for fraternity life or strict campus rules. But they still loved their college, valued their education, and retained their "Class of '46" identity, even though those that returned from the war graduated years later.
Twenty-two guys from their class made it back, and I couldn't help noticing that they were all checking out the Class of '41; which boasted 8 returning members. Very bittersweet weekend.
Ah, to read of your lovely visit to the Purple Valley made me nostalgic. I would have loved to go to a reunion there with my dad (Class of '49) sometime -- I'm sorry I never did that with him while he still could. And I'm so happy that you shared this special time with your sweet dad.
Posted by: Another Williams Alumna | June 14, 2011 at 06:47 PM
I'm so glad that you and your dad had a happy weekend - uncooperative weather and all!
Posted by: Ashley | June 15, 2011 at 12:43 AM