Sebastian's Ossuary...Yeah, We Went This Time

Each year we get the invite, and each year we've found a reason to miss it--not that we don't want to go, mind you. It seems we always want to go, but something comes up, some little (or big...) excuse causes us to not attend.

This year, we went.

And we're glad we did.

We used to go every year. Sebastian and Valori's party was an event we looked forward to, we planned our costumes and even took our kids. We'd gather at their home, always outside around a fire, and eat good food and catch up. Sebastian is a fraternity brother, and the party is for the brothers of ∆X and their wives--and years ago, for their children because none had kids old enough to tend the others.

Now, however, almost all of us have kids not only old enough to tend, but also to drive, vote, get married, go on missions and pretty much take care of themselves. Yes, we're old. It's been decades since we would gather once a week at the Institute building at the University of Utah. A lot has happened to all of us, but as I looked around the room, it made me realize what quality people I was fortunate enough to associate with while at college.

I wonder if many people can say that they can sit in a room with follow university classmates and not be ashamed of the things they did as students, not regret decisions made. And as the years have passed these men and their wonderful spouses have done little to tarnish the image I once held.

We're older, hopefully wiser, definitely changed, but tonight I sat in a packed room (it was the first Ossuary held inside due to the potential for bad weather...) and I felt honored to be a part of ∆X and glad Greg Pearson asked me those many years ago if I'd like to check it out.

Hopefully it won't be several years before we return to Sebastian and Valori's house. After all, next Halloween is only 364 days away.

Throwback Thursday...Sigma Gamma Chi Gangster Dance

A couple of weeks ago I posted this picture on Facebook as part of a "Throwback Thursday" thing (no one does alliteration like Facebook...). I found it when I was looking through some old pictures in the basement.

Let's just say it brought back a lot of memories.

This is a photo from a fraternity dance that was held...well, many years ago. I remember that dance for a couple of reasons. The first time I went was a year before this picture was taken and the date I took to that dance was engaged (to someone else...) about two months after our date.

So the next year I asked another friend and I remember telling her when we went to the dance what happened to my date the year before and that she'd better watch out because by accompanying me to the dance, she ran the risk of being engaged (to someone other than me...) in a matter of months.

Sure enough, a few months after this photo was taken, a ring appeared on her finger. I don't believe I ever went to that dance again. Honestly, I was glad for both of them--we weren't dating, just friends who had a good time together. I hope they're doing well wherever they are.

There are some in this photo who I don't know (and don't know if I knew them even back then...), but many I've kept in touch with over the years. I recall those days fondly and consider myself blessed to have associated with so many wonderful people. It's amazing the emotions that a picture can garner. It was fun dusting this one off and remembering some of those college days.

Maybe I Should Start Wearing My Fraternity Ring Again...

I ran into a fraternity brother this morning and we had a good time catching up. He lives only a few miles away, but we hardly see each other. This is mostly my fault. Every year he invites my wife and I to his annual Halloween party (I've blogged about it: HERE), and each year something comes up...something always comes up.

This isn't to say we don't want to go. This year we tried. We really tried. I owe my fraternity brother more.

Back in college we commissioned O.C. Tanner to build us a fraternity ring, and back then, I had some disposable income so I sprang for one. I used to wear it all the time. Tonight I dusted it off and tried it on. My fingers, following the example of the rest of my body, have grown wider over the past two decades. It fits, but it's a little snug.

We've all changed since college. One of my brothers posted a photo in Facebook of us at a dance. I remember all their faces, but the names have faded. It's too bad, too, because they are such good men and we had some fantastic times as members of the Delta Chi Chapter of the Sigma Gamma Chi Fraternity.

We've each taken a journey from that night. Most married and have families, though some have not. We got and lost jobs, cars, homes, pets. We pledged loyalty to each other and I'm proud to say when I met up with my brother today we greeted each other in the bonds of friendship. Maybe I should start wearing my ring again. Just as long as it doesn't turn my finger purple...