Turning Red
by Jill Balcueva, USI’66

It seem like only yesterday when we were giggling teenagers in our blue & white uniform with very little cares in the world. Our main concerns were passing our subjects and the latest hits on the radio. That was forty years ago when we were sixteen, hopefully sweet then, and wide-eyed with wonder. It was the roaring 60’s. Elvis & the Beatles were our gurus. Life was good.

Now it’s the 21st century. Life has treated many of us well. Many have been very successful but there are also those who have not been so lucky. There are some who have returned to their Maker. There are many who will follow soon. That is a fact of life that we cannot deny. Still life is good.

We are turning RED; as in RUBY RED. It’s the 40th year anniversary since our high school graduation! The faces may have changed, grown older and wiser. But when I talk to each classmate now, a lot of things have not changed since our Silver Jubilee. The banter is still there, the repartee, the hopes and aspirations are the same, the friendships. It is as much fun to be with these lifelong friends as before. Some things never really change. Life is very good.

What is the significance of this 40th anniversary? Why do we celebrate this milestone? As the old adage goes, “Life begins at 40” and the 40th anniversary is considered to be one or the most important, next to the silver anniversary. 40th anniversaries are attached to one of the world’s most precious gems said to be rarer than diamonds, symbolizing health, wealth, wisdom and passion. Hmmm... life indeed is much better now.

Yes we have reached the stage where life is just beginning again! We are happy and thankful to be healthy still, wealthy not necessarily in cash, wiser, hopefully, and of course, more passionate. We now feel more passionately, our love for life is stronger than ever. Our passion to strengthen and renew old ties is more ardent, but as fresh and honest as our passions 40 years ago.

And so we toast to turning red, not the coy blushes of our youth 40 years ago, but the deep, lasting and true crimson colors of our new lives! Full of confidence but with more abandon, full of love but this time more heartfelt, full of thanksgiving but steeped in spirituality. Yes, life begins at 40... life is great at 40 ... and the best is yet to come!