We paused our partying for some thoughts, reflections, and recognition. We were so glad we could be together.
Recognition
A Short Speech
Presented by Dave Gerlits on 24 June 2023 at 7:30 PM.
First off, I want to thank everyone who helped make this evening possible.
Our biggest thanks go to Bonnie and Brenda, the heart and hands of our class. Without these two wonderful women, none of this would have been possible.
Thanks to Steve Riggan, Walt Osborne, Cheri McCabe, Janet Pate, and Linda Vedepo who arranged the Golf Outing and Women of West Breakfast. I’m sure everyone had a wonderful time. And thanks to Gary Neuzil, recently retired legendary teacher at West High, for his masterful job as tour guide this afternoon.
And, of course, I would like to thank each one of you for coming. Just surviving for 50 years since high school is an accomplishment and it deserves to be acknowledged. Whether you got here by flying, driving, bicycling, or however you came, welcome.
My wife Bobbi and I don’t have cable TV at our house anymore, and we don’t even own a TV. We watch TV shows and movies on our computers.
Earlier this year, I watched the Oscar winning movie on AppleTV called “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse” based on the 2019 book of the same name by Charlie Mackesy.
The characters in the book are trying to help the boy find his way home. Along the way the Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse talk about some of the deep important questions of our lives.
It is a fable of inspiration and hope, and I wanted to bring you one part of this marvelous little tale.
At one point in the book the mole says to the boy:
“Sometimes I want to say I love you all, but I find it difficult”
“Do you?” said the boy.
“Yes,” said the mole, “so I say something like I’m glad we’re all here.”
“Ok.” said the boy.
“I’m glad we’re all here” said the mole.
“We are so glad you are here too” said the boy.
From The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
So I want to conclude by saying:
I’m glad we’re all here.
And we are so glad you are here, too.
Thank you, and enjoy the party!