SSP82s@40 Reunion And Birthday Party

Months of planning by the organising committee, over in one night. But what a worthwhile endeavour it was. The last such major exercise was 7 years ago where we managed to round up 150 or so of our Standard 6 schoolmates. This time around, we got 50. The organising committee were a wee bit disappointed at first when we concluded the ticket sales; we should have managed more, but perhaps age and the passing of time had played a role in the smaller turnout? Over many sessions of food and banter at Nina's as well as Nik Azhan's and Shazlina's homes, and nasi lemak at Khairul's and Zamri's at Forum 19, we looked back at our time in school, we lamented at those who did not seem to be as enthusiastic as we were, we rejoiced at those who confirmed their attendance, all these over a couple of months. And in the end, we pulled off a mighty awesome birthday and reunion bash. In a sense, the smaller numbers made the party more intimate, where we could mingle better, reminisce more fervently, tease to our hearts' content, laugh and cackle without a care for the world, sing with much gusto, snap photos as though the cameras were our first, and most importantly rekindle the bonds that held us together as childhood friends.

We caught up with some whom we had not seen in 28 years, showered appreciation on those who were just as supportive when we last held such a party 7 years ago. And for those who have been meeting up and keeping in touch more regularly, we still shared in the excitement of those who were swept up by the euphoria of meeting long lost friends. So precious are these moments, so cherished are these emotions. For the organising committee, this is why we do what we do. Time passes so quickly - decades have flown by - and we don't see each other as often as we should, for most of us anyway. A milestone such as this is a catalyst to remind us of those we may not have thought of for many a time, to jog our memory of the wonderful memories we had as primary school kids, to prompt us to re-establish friendships with those who were once our best mates, our pre-teen crushes (as was evident with all the teasing that took place last evening during the karaoke duets), our friends with no pre-conditions.

As we bade our farewells at the end of the evening, we promised each other that we would do teh tarik, perhaps hang out at Khairul's and Zamri's 'Nasi Lemak Mak Lang'. The enthusiasm was infectious, the challenge is to maintain the momentum. More often than not, we hit a high at such reunions only to see the passion wane thereafter. I know for one that those of us in the organising committee will continue to get together often. Here is an open invitation to join us whenever such an opportunity arises. Think of the fun you had last night, reflect on the rush you felt when greeting your friends. That's reason enough for you to stay in touch, don't you think?

Photo shot at the Terrace of Saddle Coffee House in Bukit Kiara Club, Kuala Lumpur.