What did they say?

Not long ago I attended a youth night where a local church leader admonished them to live worthy, uplifting lives. Nothing out of the ordinary for what youth need to hear. I remember the same sort of talks when I was younger. At some point, though, he said something that stuck. It wound its way tight like a bobbin around my thinking spot and remained there. He said something to the effect of think about what you want others to write in your yearbook.

I have not cared about, read or even laid eyes on my yearbooks for many moons. In fact, they have been of no import in my life--except for how I've begrudged them for each moving box they've been in and out of. But after he said this I wondered. I thought about it. I went searching. What did they say about me? For most of those people, that was the last they knew of me. What part of me has remained in their memory? These are things that make you go...Hmmmm, that would make a great blog post.

{BHS graduation 1994}

This was an obvious favorite, "you are wonderful. You always make me laugh, but I also know that you are human...."

I'm glad she clarified that, so she wasn't spreading rumors I was half cat or Alf's big sister. Here's another funny one: "You are so hyper sometimes. I love it!" Yep, hyper. It's funny how things don't change. Another friend practically foresaw the future,

"I've had so much fun this year! 'Fiddler' and A'cappella were great experiences. You make a beautiful Russian..." It's funny that a few years later I'd spend 16 months of my life trying to fit in and live like a Russian. I hope the beautiful part was also prophetic.
Some of them were like a passport to memory island. "I've really enjoyed all those dances we've been to together. A true dance experience requires Mariah's van." Ah, the van. That thing rocked. Literally. It was huge. The big, tan van could tote 6 couples all over town. We'd cruise over the train tracks and make those in the back fly & nearly miss the ceiling (sometimes not missing at all). That thing was a laugh mobile. So embarrassing at times when I'd drive it to school. All by myself. In a 12 seater. Yep, hello Bountiful High!! You're free to make fun of me now. Er, actually don't 'cause I might be scarred for life. Those formative years sure felt like the most important part of my whole, entire life. Little did I know :) Alas, I digress.

{A well deserved sumo wrestling match at our senior party}

Some greetings were a reminder of who I was and what I did. "I hope your summer is as sunny as you are. You make a mean cinnamon roll that I will never forget." It's a good thing he's never forgotten, because I have. I haven't made cinnamon rolls since...uh....it's been like 14 years. So, since high school. But, apparently they're 'mean' and maybe I should try them again.

Several entries made me feel really good about myself. "Well another year has come to a close and you're still a dork." Nice. Love you too. Of course he was 'kidding' (this is the same kid that shoved be down the hall and I fell with all my books and he later said he did it because he liked me. Whatever.) and went on to say "You have been one of the positive things in high school...you've always been there for me when I needed someone. For that I'm grateful."

{I'm totally diggin' that cool cumber bun and tie. Sr. Prom '94}

This one really got to me (it's hard to believe guys in high school actually thought this deep.) "I must admit you were an awesome prom date...I admire your pure heart and the wonderful way in which you live your life. I'm glad there are girls like you who remind me that eternity was meant to be spent, not alone, but together." We weren't even a couple--maybe I should give my husband the right to that line, I'd swoon instantly!

Through all this memory recalling and laughing aloud I've realized the advice still stands true. Live a life that is uplifting and worthy. There may not be yearbooks that others will scratch their memories in for you to read later, but I know they're watching. And what they see is what they'll remember about you. So now if you'll excuse me, for some reason I'm craving a cinnamon roll.