TEXT OF KEN BRIDEN’S TALK

(Some that he said, and some he wanted to say but forgot)

 It is sure good to be here this weekend, celebrating our 50^th, but as has been said, “At our age, it’s good to be anywhere.”

 I’m reminded of the story about the lady who went away to her 50^th reunion.  When she returned home, she was met at the door by her granddaughter who excitedly asked, “Grandma, did you have a good time?  How did you enjoy your graduation reunion with your classmates?”

 She replied, “I had a great time except for one thing.  All of those people have gotten so old, they didn’t recognize me.”  I wouldn’t be so bold as to say something like that, but I do say, “Thank you, Lord, for nametags.”

 Anyway, it’s great to see everyone even though I may have to stare at your nametag to remember the name.  It’s great to see my old friend Wiley Brown in the back of the room.  Wiley, my prayers are with you for a speedy and complete recovery.  And whatever you do, do whatever Alice Ann tells you to do.

 I knew I was in trouble when I saw in the program that I was to follow a FEW words by Robert Angel and a FEW words by Judy Douglass Conner.  I never knew Robert or Judy ever to say only a FEW words.  But you will notice, it doesn’t say a FEW words by Ken Briden, so I suppose I can talk as long as I want.  Don’t worry though.  Ace promised to gong me if I talked too long or got boring, whichever comes first.   So with that in mind, I’m just going to say a FEW words.

 Many of you have commented about the book Class of ’54, Where You Been.  I am relieved that so many of you enjoyed it.  If you found it to be inspirational, then tell others.  If you didn’t – well, keep it to yourself.  I have a few more copies available in case you missed out the first time.

 Writing the book was a labor of love, but I consider myself the most fortunate of any of us.  I visited either in the home or the office with 56 of our classmates as well as 8 teachers, and enjoyed every visit.  I was able to visit and talk over old times with Jackie Culpepper, Marcus Hayworth, Morris Rhodes, and Bobby Howell before they passed away, as well as Mr. Guthrie and Miss McAlister.  Not to sell our classmates short, but I really enjoyed visiting with former teachers Colleen Slaughter, Don and Mary Lou Green, Harold Bentley, Carl Coleman, and Wayne Bonner.  It is largely through their care and dedication that molded and shaped us into what we are now.  I wish I could have gotten around to more, teachers as well as classmates, but such wasn’t the case.

 In addition to those with whom I visited, I also received, through either snail mail or e-mail, a brief biography from another 50 former classmates.  My thanks to all of you who sent me current pictures to include in the book.

 Many of our classmates opened up and willingly shared of their struggles in getting to where we are now.  Some had problems with drugs, others with alcohol, others with marriage and family problems.  We shared some laughs, and we shared some tears.  We talked about old times and current times.  We talked about things familiar and things unfamiliar.  I heard some things I didn’t know, and I heard some things I didn’t want to know.  (The latter are forever sealed in my memory bank – such as it is.)  But one common thread ran throughout – we have all had our shares of ups and downs.  But by faith and perseverance, we have overcome, and we are survivors.

 I suppose the funniest thing that happened on my way to journalistic obscurity was when I received a phone call in my office one day.  “Ken, this is Tommy Hammond calling from out in Alabama.”

 “Tommy, man I haven’t heard from you for decades.  How you doing?  What have you been up to all these years?

 “Well, I want to let you know I am sending you a bio for your book, and I also want to apologize for something.  Remember that fight we had back in the 8^th grade?  I want to apologize for that.”

 “Good grief, Tommy, that was before the Korean War.  That’s been more than a few years ago.  Has that been weighing heavily on your mind since then?”

 “Well, I’ve thought about it a time or two since then.”

 Then he went on to blame someone for instigating it.  That someone isn’t here tonight, so I won’t mention any names.  I don’t think he’s here.  Doss, you aren’t here, are you?

 Since he isn’t here, I won’t mention any names.

 We laughed for a while about the trials and tribulations of growing up.  “Tommy, believe me, it was no big deal.  It was all a part of growing up.  Besides as I remember it, I gave you a pretty good licking, and if you remember it any other way, you’re going to have to write your own book.”  That’s not altogether true, but I see Ace about to hit the gong so that’s as good a way to end as any I know.

 Now I don’t make it a habit to give out betting tips, but I will make an exception in this case.  The best, most sure bet you can make is I will NOT write a sequel for our 75^th reunion.  I enjoyed it the first two times, but twice is enough.  God bless you all, and I’ll see you at the next reunion.