Reunions!

I have had a reunion of many kinds lately! This weekend my family on my Dad's side is having a reunion. Reunions are always fun! A chance to catch up with people you have not seen in a long time. I would love to be there with my mom and dad at my grandparent's house especially. But, it just did not work out for us. However, God has made it possible for us to drive to Louisville for Thanksgiving! Anytime I can go home to my Mamaw and Papaw's house is a treat! But, Thanksgiving is even better! I am so excited!
Another reunion this past weekend was not the kind I enjoy. I received an email from classmates.com trying to get me to join for my next high school reunion. I was not interested in the offer, but I did check to see if my favorite teacher was on the list! Chuck Bennett! He was my choir director my sophomore, junior, and senior year. He was new to Richardson High School that year, just like the rest of us sophomores. The choir program was the pits compared to the rest of the district, and it was his job to turn it around. He was the best teacher I ever had. He was not just a teacher, but a friend and encourager. He had a 3 yr. old daughter, Victoria, who I adored. She and I became very close! I loved kids so much and I loved spending time with her especially because she was so precious. I remember taking her to see the premier of "The Little Mermaid" the day it came to the theatre the first time. Mr. Bennett made a huge impact on my life, one that not too many people even realize. I visited him a few times after graduating but lost touch eventually. I have tried to find him many times over the years because I wanted him to know how much he and his family meant to me. I never had any luck. When I got the classmates email, I thought I would try again. When I googled his name and some info I knew about him, I found a web page from North Texas University listing his name on the "Friends We'll Miss" list. I was shocked and in disbelief. I thought it could not be him. I researched the Houston Chronicle, where he last lived, and found an obituary. On April 11, of 2001, he was driving to work (choir teacher still), and was broadsided while running a red light. He was killed instantly. It broke my heart. More than anything, I think I felt so sad because I found out 5 years too late. I wish I had stayed in touch and had known so that I could have been at his memorial. I spoke to someone who told me they had to have two memorial services for him in order to hold the 1000's of people who attended. I am not surprised because he was a wonderful christian man, father, and teacher. I will always remember Mr. Bennett.
God is good at bringing laughter from sorrow! After hearing of Mr. Bennett's death, I looked up some old friends from my church youth group in Richardson. I was able to find David and Shannon Dugger, and it was good catching up and hearing how God is working in their lives. Another friend of ours, Julie Morgan, got my contact info from the Dugger's and emailed me today. She filled me in on so many of our friends from church. It was great to hear from her. We talked about planning a class of '91 Youth Group Reunion next year! She is going to gather every one's contact info so we can set a date! I am very excited to catch up with everyone and see what God is doing around them. What a wonderful reunion that will be!