Tip#956: Lessons from a High School Reunion – Grown Ups – Grown Ups 2

My recent high school reunion at Georges Vanier S.S. was an absolutely surreal and emotional experience! It had been decades since I returned to the school and when I walked into the cafeteria, hallways and old art classrooms a wave of emotions hit me hard. My art program friends I was with felt it too. Seeing old friends with and without their hair was fun (and funny!) and there was much laughter and light in the air!

Reminiscing about teachers, other students and our wild antics were shared with enthusiasm and nostalgia. There was a classroom where the walls were covered with pages from the two yearbooks I was Editor-in-Chief of in ’81 and ’82 which brought back a flood of memories. I had a fantastic production team and sadly did not see any of them at the reunion. There was still a constant flow of happy long time hellos and an abundance of hugs!

There's always a photo bomber!

This experience reminded me of my many achievements at high school with my artwork, the yearbooks and being Valedictorian of my graduating class. In the end I learned how deeply grateful I was for the loving relationships that helped me grow and for the handful of high school friendships I still maintain after 30+ years. It reminded me of a double feature comedy that celebrates this same time period of the late 70’s and early 80’s!

Grown Ups (2010)

The comedy film, Grown Ups, is about the 30-year reunion of five old friends from 1978 junior high school. Starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider, this hilarious, rude and crude adventure shows how they’ve all gone through life, careers and relationships over the years. That’s all you really need to know because this film was made for laughter and a good time Adam Sandler style! See: movie trailer

Grown Ups 2 (2013)

The comedy film, Grown Ups 2, continues the adventures of these junior high school friendships with Lenny Feder (Adam Sandler) relocating his family to his Connecticut hometown of Stanton. With lots of 80’s references and music, more wild antics unfold as the returning cast provides funny, silly, gross-out moments (Nick Swardson fills in for Roy Schneider). See: movie trailer

There is a fun segment where Lenny and his wife Roxanne (Salma Hayek) throw an 80’s themed party and features an abundance of guests dressed as 80’s characters. Chris Rock dresses as Prince, Sandler as Bruce Springsteen, David Spade as Oates from Hall & Oats and Kevin James as Meatloaf. See article: 'Grown Ups 2' has worlds-greatest '80s party scene

These comedies aren't for everyone but the beautiful thing about most Adam Sandler comedies is within the dirty jokes and over the top, cringe-worthy visual gags are heart-felt moments. These are moments we can all relate to: the importance of having lasting, loving relationships and friendships.

High school reunions, or any type of reunion, can be frightening and yet can also remind you of good friendships and individuals that helped you grow over the years. And if you’ve been able to nurture friendships for many decades then you’ve discovered a key ingredient to having a happier life!

Related Tips:
Tip#410: Maintain Steadfast Friendships - Grown Ups
Tip#575: Friendships that Feel Good – Grown Ups
Tip#678: What Makes You Laugh? – Part 2 - Grown-Ups 2
Tip#545: Make Time for Face-To-Face Friendships – American Pie Reunion

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