June 1, 1973
50 Years Later!42 total reviews
Comment from Mintybee
This was a good way to do "hindsight is 20/20." It was a neat technique to do the story over again with a different beginning. Some things we think are wonderful at the time look very different years later, and seeing both perspectives on this event gives the reader a warning to exercise caution in the moment.
Mintybee
reply by the author on 08-Jun-2023
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This was a good way to do "hindsight is 20/20." It was a neat technique to do the story over again with a different beginning. Some things we think are wonderful at the time look very different years later, and seeing both perspectives on this event gives the reader a warning to exercise caution in the moment.
Mintybee
Comment Written 01-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 08-Jun-2023
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Hi Mintybee, I am so far behind but should get better after eye surgery next week. I just want you to know how much I appreciate your kind review and comments.
Comment from Carol Clark2
Congrats on fifty years since high school graduation! Is there a reunion planned? It does seem counterintuitive for a state to lower the drinking age, and have it take effect on the last day of school. Glad you all survived! Blessings. Carol
reply by the author on 08-Jun-2023
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Congrats on fifty years since high school graduation! Is there a reunion planned? It does seem counterintuitive for a state to lower the drinking age, and have it take effect on the last day of school. Glad you all survived! Blessings. Carol
Comment Written 01-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 08-Jun-2023
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Carol, I am so far behind but should get better after eye surgery next week. I just want you to know how much I appreciate your kind review and comments. Also, I would like to start on your birthday poem in the next week, so if you wouldn't mind sending me some information about you and your family, I would truly appreciate it. And thanks again, my sweet friend.
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My dear friend, thanks so much for the offer of a birthday poem. You have much on your plate with surgery coming up. Sally has also offered to write one for my birthday, so perhaps that will ease your schedule a bit. If you still want to write one, I will message you some info.
Hugs!
Comment from Teri7
Debbi, I could totally relate to your story! I never remembered how I got a certain pain of jeans in the car. That scared me so bad, because I knew I didn't have sex with guys then. My sister told me my friend, Sandra, brought me home with my pants! lol I never wanted another night like that again! But I was so glad I graduated. thanks for sharing your story! love and blessings, Teri
reply by the author on 02-Jun-2023
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Debbi, I could totally relate to your story! I never remembered how I got a certain pain of jeans in the car. That scared me so bad, because I knew I didn't have sex with guys then. My sister told me my friend, Sandra, brought me home with my pants! lol I never wanted another night like that again! But I was so glad I graduated. thanks for sharing your story! love and blessings, Teri
Comment Written 01-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 02-Jun-2023
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Hi Teri, I thank you with all my heart for your review and kind words for my 50 yr story. Oh my what a story and I can relate too as the first time I drank I was raped, so alcohol did not play fair. For me it usually came like a beautiful serpent who came as satan disguise but I'm glad to no longer feel the need to get drunk, I appreciate you so very much, my dear friend.
Comment from karenina
Nobody ever accused legislators of being the sharpest tools in the shed. Yes--the timing was horrid, then again, the whole idea of lowering the drinking age to 18 seems ill-conceived. You did what most "final day" seniors would have done!
I held my breath a bit as I feared this story would veer into tragedy if one of those students died that day. (Although losing six classmates in the ensuing five years is tragic enough...)
Well written, shared as only you share ~ with exuberance and honestly and heart!
It was just on thenews last night that my state is considering voting on bringing back "Happy Hour" ~~ to which I say are you kidding me? Do we need yet another way for DUI's to increase?
Sigh.
I was the proverbial goody two shoes in high school...
(Likely I would have been one of the four who headed home when school let out)
Alcohol or drugs has never seemed like a good risk/reward scenario.
The big question is did you go to your 50th High School Reunion??? Holy cow! That would be another whole story I'm sure!
June 1st begins the 100 most dangerous days of driving for teens. I pray they all stay diligent and safe!
Karenina
reply by the author on 01-Jun-2023
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Nobody ever accused legislators of being the sharpest tools in the shed. Yes--the timing was horrid, then again, the whole idea of lowering the drinking age to 18 seems ill-conceived. You did what most "final day" seniors would have done!
I held my breath a bit as I feared this story would veer into tragedy if one of those students died that day. (Although losing six classmates in the ensuing five years is tragic enough...)
Well written, shared as only you share ~ with exuberance and honestly and heart!
It was just on thenews last night that my state is considering voting on bringing back "Happy Hour" ~~ to which I say are you kidding me? Do we need yet another way for DUI's to increase?
Sigh.
I was the proverbial goody two shoes in high school...
(Likely I would have been one of the four who headed home when school let out)
Alcohol or drugs has never seemed like a good risk/reward scenario.
The big question is did you go to your 50th High School Reunion??? Holy cow! That would be another whole story I'm sure!
June 1st begins the 100 most dangerous days of driving for teens. I pray they all stay diligent and safe!
Karenina
Comment Written 01-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 01-Jun-2023
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Hey you! I have planned every reunion starting with the twentieth. I never ask for help, I just do it. Let people know, do all the preparations, used to mail the invites, do it all.
Even ten years ago when I shattered my ankle and had to spend three long months non-weight bearing in a care center (another story) they had to completely build me a new ankle so I have a hard time wearing shoes cause it sticks out on both sides so much. Anyway I planned my class reunion from there.
My class loves it and offers me help but so far I had the time. But this year I told them that it would be my last time. I tried to think of a place where we could all be together, stay overnight, not get kicked out of any place even if we wanted to stay up all night. (We have people located in Hawaii, Alaska, all over the US so I wanted to make it worth their while of coming home for it.
And since this is the big one, I am having it at a casino. I know that sounds crazy, but I have a party room rented, a block of rooms so we get a whole floor to ourselves, there are bars and restaurants open all night long, a band in one of them that night, so when our reunion is done, we don't have to be. It is the only thing I could think of and everyone loves the idea. I have surprise visits from teachers that I will have talk over an intercom at the program part of the party, and am going to have it a "this is your life" kind of thing where they will talk from a nearby room and mention silly things that they remember about certain people and our class. And then everyone will guess who it is and then I will have them come in the room. I could only find five that were still alive. (Funny I even found that many)
Then I have other fun surprises. We have lost almost forty people so there will be a table set up with a glass personalized candle burning for each classmate that died. I always hold a moment of silence for them. And some other fun things. Aren't you happy you asked about my reunion? Haha!
I love your views on the legislature too. Today our idiot governor just passed the medical recreational cannabis law. How appropriate fifty years later that bill was signed. I myself am on medical cannabis and have been for years. However I hate the euphoria so I quit taking it as it was making my mind wonder too much when I was trying to write. It gave me creative ideas, but by the time I got my iPad ready, I already forgot what they were. And it is so expensive so now if I want to restart it, it won't cost me $600. a month anymore. With that being said, I think this date must go down as the most idiotic date for lawmakers. So were you surprised that your Louise was such a wild child at one time? I actually had one reviewer who seemed to patronize me for it and I kinda had to let her know what I thought.
(Naughty Debi) Thanks for the awesome review and comments Sweetie!!
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If I was a betting person, I would have guessed you were the one organizing the reunions, Debi! Who else but you could plan such extravaganzas? I think a casino is an AWESOME idea...(and I would be a betting woman if I was there--at least some slots...)
Your story was great! It's the crazy government that messes up.
I think you're still channeling that "wild child" my friend...and isn't that a blessing for all of us?
Hugs--Karenina
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You are such a sweetie!,
Comment from GWHARGIS
You are one of the lucky ones. Didnt die, kill anyone, and learned it just isn't worth it. Some people never learn. I'm like you. Drank like a fish until my first pregnancy. That was when it changed. How could I be there for someone when I was smashed. Great story. Like the beginning and the end. It's all perspective. Gretchen
reply by the author on 02-Jun-2023
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You are one of the lucky ones. Didnt die, kill anyone, and learned it just isn't worth it. Some people never learn. I'm like you. Drank like a fish until my first pregnancy. That was when it changed. How could I be there for someone when I was smashed. Great story. Like the beginning and the end. It's all perspective. Gretchen
Comment Written 01-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 02-Jun-2023
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Hey Gretchen,, I thank you with all my heart for this lovely review and kind words for my 50 yr story. I appreciate you so very much, my dear friend.
And thank you so very much for the six stars!
Comment from Melodie Michelle
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this piece and It kept me totally engrossed from beginning to end and it is a very well written story!
Thanks for sharing and may God continuously bless you throughout this year!
reply by the author on 02-Jun-2023
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading this piece and It kept me totally engrossed from beginning to end and it is a very well written story!
Thanks for sharing and may God continuously bless you throughout this year!
Comment Written 01-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 02-Jun-2023
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Hi Melodie, I thank you with all my heart for this lovely review and kind words for my 50 yr story. I appreciate you so very much, my dear friend.
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;-)
Comment from LateBloomer
Hey Sis, what a day you had! I'm sure that you and your girlfriends talked and laughed about that day for a long time. Thank you for sharing a little piece of your Memory lane with us.
Most states realized that lowering the drinking age to 18 was as foolish as being 18 years old, and it was a big mistake as evidenced in MN (and other states too, including NY and NJ):
The legal drinking age was raised to 19 in 1976 (Laws of Minnesota 1976, chapter 66, effective September 1, 1976). The drinking age was raised to the current age of 21 in 1986 (Laws of Minnesota 1986, chapter 330).
Of special note:
I remember all the men in the bar who kept buying drinks for my girlfriends and me.
(That's just what the old timers did in those days.)
Also:
But when asked if I'd share these memories with my grandkids. Naw!
(Agreed. In grandkids eyes, Grandmas are perfect. That's our story, and we are sticking to it. Lol.)
Well done. Xo. M
reply by the author on 08-Jun-2023
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Hey Sis, what a day you had! I'm sure that you and your girlfriends talked and laughed about that day for a long time. Thank you for sharing a little piece of your Memory lane with us.
Most states realized that lowering the drinking age to 18 was as foolish as being 18 years old, and it was a big mistake as evidenced in MN (and other states too, including NY and NJ):
The legal drinking age was raised to 19 in 1976 (Laws of Minnesota 1976, chapter 66, effective September 1, 1976). The drinking age was raised to the current age of 21 in 1986 (Laws of Minnesota 1986, chapter 330).
Of special note:
I remember all the men in the bar who kept buying drinks for my girlfriends and me.
(That's just what the old timers did in those days.)
Also:
But when asked if I'd share these memories with my grandkids. Naw!
(Agreed. In grandkids eyes, Grandmas are perfect. That's our story, and we are sticking to it. Lol.)
Well done. Xo. M
Comment Written 01-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 08-Jun-2023
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Hey Sweetie, I am so far behind but should get better after eye surgery next week. I just want you to know how much I appreciate your kind review and comments. I hope you have a wonderful week!
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I graduated in June of 1972. I'm one year older. After Prohibition ended in 1933, Illinois changed the drinking age to 21 for men and 18 for women. In 1961, Illinois raised the drinking age to 21 for everyone. In 1973, the drinking age for beer and wine was lowered to 19. In 1980, it was raised back to 21.
I guess Illinois struggled with the drinking age. My father had issues with alcohol, so I made my decision very early in life not to drink. Thank you for sharing.
But no not me. (probably a comma after 'no')
reply by the author on 08-Jun-2023
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I graduated in June of 1972. I'm one year older. After Prohibition ended in 1933, Illinois changed the drinking age to 21 for men and 18 for women. In 1961, Illinois raised the drinking age to 21 for everyone. In 1973, the drinking age for beer and wine was lowered to 19. In 1980, it was raised back to 21.
I guess Illinois struggled with the drinking age. My father had issues with alcohol, so I made my decision very early in life not to drink. Thank you for sharing.
But no not me. (probably a comma after 'no')
Comment Written 01-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 08-Jun-2023
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Barb, I am so far behind but should get better after eye surgery next week. I just want you to know how much I appreciate your kind review and comments.
Comment from nomi338
Judging from the actions of a few of you maybe that should have been
"ASS Class of 1973". LOL. This reminds me so much of my first time in a bar when I was stationed overseas in Okinawa. I drank a bottle of Okinawan sloe gin. It tasted like soda to me. I quickly drained it and ordered another. Everyone at the table tried to warn me to take it easy. I scoffed and continued downing bottle after bottle. I too was eighteen at the time (1961). I got so sick from this foolish endeavor that to this day, just the smell of sloe gin makes me violently ill. Eighteen may be a cool age for certain freedoms, but I do not think making wise decisions about drinking qualifies.
reply by the author on 01-Jun-2023
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Judging from the actions of a few of you maybe that should have been
"ASS Class of 1973". LOL. This reminds me so much of my first time in a bar when I was stationed overseas in Okinawa. I drank a bottle of Okinawan sloe gin. It tasted like soda to me. I quickly drained it and ordered another. Everyone at the table tried to warn me to take it easy. I scoffed and continued downing bottle after bottle. I too was eighteen at the time (1961). I got so sick from this foolish endeavor that to this day, just the smell of sloe gin makes me violently ill. Eighteen may be a cool age for certain freedoms, but I do not think making wise decisions about drinking qualifies.
Comment Written 01-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 01-Jun-2023
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OMGoodness Bro, you and I are so alike. The month before at a prom party, I drank what they called "slow screws" all night, and the next morning, the toilet looked like I was heaving my insides out cause it was all red. (If I remember right there was grenadine in it) i was so sick that like you, I have not touched sloe gin ever since. Exactly fifty years and one month!!!
Oh we could have had a heck of a good time together, but maybe stick with the beer. Lol.... Awe. I love your reviews and comments. Thank you for sharing that with me, cause now I am convinced that we just have a family genetic sloe gin allergy. Hahaha!
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I also got my butt kicked by my first and only encounter with absinthe. Nevermore saith the raven skinned dummy, who appears to have a learning disability.
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Aha, I have been warned of another genetic allergen!
Good thing I usually only have a beer, glass of wine and an occasional margarita when we go for Mexican. But now, only have one of anything. Fifty years is a good teacher. (Big hug)
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Stay safe and sober, and live a long and happy life. The best revenge on all of your haters is to outlive each one. This reminds me of a funny story I heard. An elderly woman testifying at church said that she had no enemies at 100 years of age. The pastor was amazed and asked her how could she say at that incredible age that she had no enemies. With a smile she said that she had no enemies because she had outlived them all.
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Hahaha!! 👩🏼❤️👨🏾Can you see the family resemblance?
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Without doubt.
Comment from Mary Vigasin
I love this story for the brilliant way in which you told it .
First as a 18 year old, and then looking back as a mature adult.
Very well done.
It also made me remember my own HS graduation. I went to a strip club. I have to see if I wrote a story on it.
Mary
reply by the author on 01-Jun-2023
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I love this story for the brilliant way in which you told it .
First as a 18 year old, and then looking back as a mature adult.
Very well done.
It also made me remember my own HS graduation. I went to a strip club. I have to see if I wrote a story on it.
Mary
Comment Written 01-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 01-Jun-2023
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Hahahahaha! Mary you are completely and breathtakingly priceless and precious!! As soon as I read the words strip club, I cracked up. Thank you so much for sharing that. I had one review where I thought I was being reprimanded, so what a treat this was. You have made my week. Bless you my sweet friend. Still laughing! Hahaha!
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I did write a story on it my sister Rose and her girlfriend, a hooker. I had no one or nowhere to go to celebrate my graduation, so they took me out. I was 17 at the time.
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Oh please tell me the title of it and I will try to find it. Sounds hilarious!
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It was called the Graduation Party. I do not think it's that good. The reason they took me out was we never had a car and my dad and grandmother were both working.
