A Million Little Pieces Of My Mind

About Me

Reunion Brunch

By: Paul S Cilwa Occurred: 10/20/2024 Page Views: 74
Hashtags: #Autobiography
No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth
Estimated reading time: 3 minute(s) (533 words)

My sister was still asleep from the night shift she worked when I snuck out of her house to attend the class reunion brunch. This event, much smaller and cheaper than the night before's, was just to be St Joe graduates (and spouses).

St. Augustine's Gypsy Cab Company, founded in 1983 by Ned Pollack (after I had moved away), has become a beloved institution in the city. Known for its urban cuisine, the restaurant offers a unique blend of flavors influenced by Italian, German, Cajun, Mediterranean, Southern, and Floribbean cuisines. The eclectic menu, often referred to as "Cab Fare," changes weekly, ensuring a fresh and exciting dining experience. With its casual atmosphere and exceptional food, Gypsy Cab Company has been a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike for over 30 years. And that's where Nancy Alexander Dupont chose for our brunch.

Here am I with Susan Stanton. One of my favorite people from high school, she now lives in Central Florida.

And here's Janet Andreu with her husband, Art Runk. Art was a grade ahead of us. Both lovely people.

Here I am with Terrie Wiecking and Annette Davis, who also attended last night's big reunion at the Classic Car Museum. The other guy is the husband of one of them, but I'm 73 and lucky to be able to remember who I am.

Oh, and here's Nancy Alexander Dupont! She's the one who really made this all happen. She tracked down as many classmates as she could and made sure we got invitations and follow-ups. Plus, other than hair color she hasn't changed a bit!

Here's Ken Barrett and Dennis Petty. Ken and I both attended our class' 25th reunion, held at the actual beach, and he and I (plus our late classmate, Louie Mariani) were the only ones who went body surfing. Ken still surfs, he says. And looks like it.

Dennis Petty and I were good buds, especially in our senior year. We took at least one road trip to Jacksonville.

But Dennis was one of the very few classmates I didn't recognize on the spot, which is weird because he's aged very well, skin in excellent condition. I think it's the moustache; somehow it made him look completely different.

That's his wife, Elizabeth, with us in the photo.

Here's Steve Grofenhurst and Suzette Chauvin. Steve has hardly changed a bit; but that's because he looked 70 when we were in high school. Suzette had the most beautiful voice I'd ever heard; I still remember her singing "How Are Things In Gloccamora?" at a talent show, sending shivers down my spine.

And last but definitely not least, my practically-adopted brother Thomas Jackson whose family was so kind to me back then. His dad taught me photography and was as close to a dad as I had, since my real father died when I was 7.

I had rather dreaded making this trip, what with my healing hip replacement. But to my surprise I found I enjoyed myself thoroughly, and could easily be convinced to consider coming to a 56th.

But for now, back to Louise's for a jet-lagged nap and preparation for tomorrow's return to Tampa.