EP84 - The Ring

Some stories don’t just come from the past — they flutter back into our lives like monarchs returning home, carrying pieces of who we once were. In today’s episode, I’m sharing a memory that resurfaced at my 50‑year high school reunion, a story that began in first grade with a shy crush, a very smart boy named John, and a ring wrapped in aluminum foil that never quite made it into my hands. It’s a tale about childhood innocence, the way life loops back on itself, and how the smallest forgotten moments can suddenly shine again decades later. This one made me smile for days, and I think it might melt your heart a little too. Let’s go back—way back—to where it all started. Chapters (00:00:01) - Introduction: 50th high school reunion (00:00:27) - First grade crush on John (00:03:39) - Seeing John walk home with Ginger - meltdown (00:05:06) - Growing up, military, and moving around the country (00:07:09) - 35th reunion reconnection with John (00:10:08) - Busy 40s: grad school, career, and adoption (00:12:33) - Pharmacology struggles and switching career path (00:14:52) - Reflecting on in vitro and life choices (00:16:13) - Planning the 50th reunion (00:17:45) - Reunion mingle night (00:19:01) - Nerves and friends at the reunion (00:20:38) - Main reunion night and reconnecting with John (00:22:02) - The ring story revealed (00:24:26) - Closing thoughts