Pernell Michael was a good friend of mine from high school. We took several of the same classes together, hung out after school, just two kids having a great time. And then, in the middle of our senior year, Pernell joined the Army and left school. And that was the last time the two of us were together.
Until yesterday.
And I swear to you … how he stayed young and I got old is just unbelievable. 😀
Pernell and i spent the day talking about what happened to us over time. And after Pernell went through some personal battles, he today is a proud father, grandfather, and (wow) great-grandfather, and showed me all his kids and grandkids an great-grandchild on his phone. And as we talked and chomped on a couple of double-scoop ice creams at a nearby Emack and Bolio’s, we reminisced about our time at Street Academy, the people we knew and the ones who were called to glory.
He told me that he tries to make trips up to Albany from his current home in Louisiana every year, and this time around he made a trip to visit our beloved principal, Ms. Lillian Tillman-DeWitt, who is just a few months away from celebrating 90 years upon this earth. Trust me. Mrs. T took care of us like she was our second mother and father. For sure.
I tell you. For a couple of hours, it was as if we were both sitting outside that repurposed School #7 on 165 Clinton Avenue one more time, just chilling and reminiscing and celebrating.
This is what a good high school reunion feels like.
And maybe someday there might be another reunion of Street Academy friends and family once more.
And you know I’m good with that.
And you know that.
Chuck The Writer 
When will we get the chance to me up again. I spoke to Lillian and if there is any get together for her please hit me up on messenger on Facebook, I’ll be there.
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