As my girlfriend, Beverly, and I turned down the tree lined street that wound down and around into a cul-de-sac, we both could feel the rise of excitement and anticipation. Glancing at our map we searched for the house and driveway. Within minutes she would be witnessing the live reunion of two majorettes who marched together in the Redwood High School Marching Band, Visallia California, forty-two years ago.
The year was 1963, the valley was hot, Ricky Nelson's records were regularly played on the radio, and while only rivers and lakes provided our water, we dreamt of Surfin' U.S.A. in the Pacific Ocean. That year, Audrey Hepburn graced the cover of Vogue. Bubble hair was big and cat eye glasses were the ticket.
It was a real coast to coast deal. In June, I’d gone home for a milestone birthday and then wrote a piece about my experience for my hometown newspaper, The Visalia Times Delta. My article was to appear September 6, the day after Labor Day. As people began reading it, I began receiving email. The very first email was a shocker. It was from a lady named Jeannie in Morristown, NJ. Jeannie and I had marched together in parades and on the football field at half time, and she now lived in Morristown, less than two hours away!
And, now, within minutes we would be meeting again. Will we recognize each other? Will we have anything in common? What will we talk about after more than four decades? Well, first off, we good to go…we’re women! It’s our nature to dish and get all the details; children, marriage, husbands, moves, relocations, and all the other goodies that unite kindred spirits.
Five hours later that included a tour of Washington’s Headquarters, lunch downtown, laughs galore, and a tour of the local municipal parking structure while searching for our lost car…we all three embraced. The renewal of friendship warmed our hearts as I said good-bye and “I’ll see you soon,” to my new coast to coast best friend.
Top Blonde Taking the Day...Jennifer.
