Reunions can be awkward. What do you say to people you haven't seen in years - or decades?
Well, there wasn't anything awkward Saturday when I gathered with some former co-workers from Foster's Daily Democrat, the Dover, N.H., newspaper we worked at.
There were editors, reporters, sportswriters, all from different backgrounds, from different parts of the country. But we were all in the same boat, trying to get our careers started while working 10-14 hour days under intense deadline pressure.
Our editor, Rod Doherty, well, he was a little intense. When he brought you into his office or the "glass house" conference room behind his office, it usually wasn't for a hug or to offer a Christmas bonus.
We worked long hours. We weren't paid much. But through all that pressure friendships were formed, friendships that aren't changed by time, no matter how many years have passed.
The day began with a scenic hike of Mount Agamenticus in York, Maine. Ten of us walked to the top and posed for pictures. This was our third reunion in four years.
The jokes flew. Laughter filled the air.
We weren't done. We met in Portsmouth, N.H., for a downtown dinner. There we were met by 11 more friends and former co-workers. Luckily we had a private room upstairs because, well, journalists (and ex-journalists) can get loud. Pictures were taken. Hugs were exchanged. And the years peeled away.
A Foster's reunion can't end with dinner. So most of the crowd headed down the street to a bar which featured a karaoke station. Jill and Jean nailed "Love Shack." I followed with "Born to Run." I don't want to say I sang poorly, but I made Roseanne Barr sound like Adele. Dave then offered a terrific version of "Roxanne."
None of us are getting younger. A few of us have more than a few gray hairs - and less hair than we used to have. But it was a magical day/night with people I will always have a special attachment to.
Can't wait for the next reunion!
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