Michelle Martin, Michelle Bowers and Karen Miller Bialczak: Thank you for bringing us together.

Now here’s an event fraught with emotional traps pocking its twisting path.

You get back together with people you haven’t seen in a while.

You’ve changed. They’ve changed. Everybody remembers certain milestones a different way. New life events just might not be that interesting when shared with a group.

This weekend, I went to the big daily reunion.

The picnic in the lovely county park was organized by two dear friends and my darling wife. All three still work at the company that followed the one that put out the big daily, and they believed it would be great and beneficial for those who toiled together for the big daily to meet again.

I was a tad apprehensive. I was one of the 100 who were laid off by the big daily on Jan. 31. How would I feel bobbing in that boiling reunion stew?

Needless worry.

A great time was had by all. Karen Miller Bialczak, Michelle Bowers and Michelle Martin put on one fantastic reunion. Tasty food everywhere, provided by the hosts and brought in pass-alongs by the guests. Beverages ready in personal coolers. Hugs all around.

The reunion stew was delicious.

I talked with retirees. Great to see you Dom, Alice, Jackie … You look fabulous.

I chatted with folks who had accepted buyouts past. So very nice hearing all about your job in the PR office, and thanks for the business cards and offer of reference, Mr. Murphy.

I caught up with others who walked out the big daily door five months ago. Congratulations on that MOST wonderful job, Maria.

I proudly spoke of this personal blog and my twice-weekly offerings on film at http://www.syracusenewtimes.com and listened to stories from those who remained to work at the company that followed the one that put out the big daily.

Nobody’s life is the same.

We’re still connected in spirit.

What a great reunion.