A Letter To My Longtime Friends XVI: Class Fellowship While In Quarantine

A Letter To My Longtime Friends XVI: Class Fellowship While In Quarantine

Dear Longtime Friends and Brethren,

This is your friend and brother before coming to you with another annual yearly article. As you know it just in case you didn't realize, this day marks 14 years of our high school graduation. I am privileged and much honored to bring this past event to your remembrance. Even though we are in quarantine, it doesn't stop us from reminiscing and reflecting. Having said this, let's gather together in spirit as we unite for fellowship in the comfort of our own homes or wherever we may be, so grab a drink and a snack, and come right back! Hahaha… Without further ado, let's enjoy this moment of nostalgia, shall we?

On May 27, 2006, we gathered together for one last time. From preschool all the way to high school; of course, each of us has a different story. We pulled up to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church where our graduation ceremony took place. The late senior pastor Bishop Eddie L. Long was nice and generous to allow us to use his church and sanctuary. He was a great fellow. We walked inside this room which resembles a huge study hall classroom to be seated. Inside, we received our stoles to put around our necks, which has the name of our school "CGHS" and "CLASS OF 2006" printed thereon. And due to the fact that we were overjoyed, one of our teachers said, "I'm gonna let you get it out of your system," so we made joyful noises as loud as we could. We then lined up to this other door: we walked outside on the cement pathway which leads to another side of the church building. We lined up in the church hallway in two straight lines. My mom was taking pictures with her camera; since she was excited, she took a picture of my brother and I (we were both graduating together.) We slowly moved up to the door which leads to the sanctuary where we began the ceremonial walk…

As the processional part of the graduation ceremony began, we walked with each other in two straight lines side-by-side to the choir stand as the orchestral piece "Pomp and Circumstance" was playing. One cue, we all sat down at once! The pledge of allegiance to our country's flag was led by one of our beloved classmates, and our principal made a good speech. I took a look at the audience, and everyone was cheering for us! As our music stepped, he directed us to sing "Saints Forever," which is our Alma Mater; we were also directed to sing "I Am Here," which is an inspirational Gospel song by Donald Lawrence: the crowd really enjoyed that! We then moved on to the receiving of our diploma cases right along with individual picture taking in alphabetical order featuring our principal's handshake. One moment later, we did a little celebration by tossing our caps in the air and catching them! We were having a blast!

Eventually, we did a recessional: we walked together in two straight lines and in pairs as we exited the church. And outside, we greeted each other once more; have were extended for handshakes, fist bumps were done, hugs were given, combos of handshakes and hugs were done, "daps" with hugs were done, warm and big smiles were given, autographs were exchanged, pictures were taken, laughter was made, and whole lots more. Our hearts were filled with love, joy, and happiness. After spending years in the public school system, it finally came to a close. Having said all, we united for a special occasion one one accord: we fellowshipped together, we sung together, we celebrated together, we walked together, we drew pictures in the still frames of our hearts together, we bade farewell to each other, and we parted ways. As what I said last year, it was the proudest day of my life!

I truly want to thank you all for taking time to read this letter. I love you guys unconditionally. As usual, don't back down for anyone. Stay on top of your game everyday. I wish you Peace, Serenity, Tranquility, and Many Blessings. Stay Safe! Take care of yourselves.

In the Spirit of Love & All Humility,

Victor Kendrick II [Brother Vick]

P.S. Even though the Coronavirus is raging on and we should be safe, trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as He directs our paths. You guys still have a special place in my heart, and I will continue to pray for you all. Much Agape Love!

Philippians 1:3-11 (KJV)  I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.