They were a group of people with names like: Sigh!, Vertie, Pihc, Ibed, Tuffstory, Lady Wings, 1redhead, Sky Jumper, Darri, Timinator58, Dodi, Fuzz, Marine1, Marine's Wife, Cyred, Lady of Mystery, Barr5, Physcomissy, and Sexy Grandma, and they had all traveled to a small one red light town in the beautiful rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, for one purpose. To see the faces that had written the words they had read on the internet.
Some had traveled a couple of hours to get there, some traveled with infants, some had traveled almost a day, and some had only to cross the street. Some ever faced fears and found strength they didn't remember having to get there, but no matter the distance, no matter the challenge, not knowing what to expect, still they came with a common bond.
They were members of a family. Over the months and years, these strangers had shared some of the most intimate and heartbreaking moments of their lives with each other. They had also shared laughter and so many good times. They had shared losses, and they had share joy. Tears and sorrow, prosperity and personal achievements were shared and treasured by all that were present.
Even those not there; Chuckles, Spot the Cat, Beaut, Tak, Cynic, Karron, Jumo, Tennessee-Whiskey, Renata, Lamplighter, Dufas, Sunsky, Westsider, Miss Maggie, bigredd, Smidgee, Glinda, thommy'smom, and the man who had started a thing called. "The Romper Room," Taz, were still remembered and thought of. And the phone was passed when voices of Westsider and Karron were heard over the lines.
Everyone there shared hugs, smiles, laughter, Skittles and even real food. The took pictures, signed t-shirts, and laughed until they hurt. They told stories, told jokes, and even had surprises for each other. They trusted each other enough stay at strangers homes, yet, none felt like a stranger. Once the fun part of trying to guess who everyone was accomplished, the fun of fellowship had started.
Yet no one, but I, knew the story, behind the story of the "Romper Room Reunion" that was held in Cadiz, Ohio. Until I told Cyred who said if I didn't tell the story, she would. So here it is.
After my mom's death, I was going through papers and such when, I ran across several envelopes bound together. Many of the envelopes contained get well cards and wishes she had received at different times while throughout her lengthy illness. When someone would ask who Lady of Mystery was, or who Vertie was, or Sunsky, she would say, "Oh, that is one of my cyber-kids" then explain they were people from the internet whom she had never met but would love to.
But there was one other envelope that had my name on it. Opening it, I had discovered a life insurance policy only worth a couple hundred of dollars, and a note which said;
"Barb. Do something special. Mom."
I thought about that a lot. "Do something special." I thought about a mini vacation for my husband and I, but yet, the more I thought, the stronger the feeling to get together these people whom Mom had wanted to meet, but never got a chance to grew. Her "cyber-kids." The people who had shared so much with each other, and with her. So, the seed of the "Romper Room Reunion" was planted, and it grew and grew until it bloomed into a room full of smiles and laughter, just as she would have liked.
Financially, I could never have put the reunion together if it hadn't been for this one, final, yet lasting gift from Mom to all of you. Without her note of "Do something special." and that small policy, there wouldn't have been a reunion, so you see, the name of Lady Angel was more fitting for this lady than anyone realized.
Ya did good Mom. Thanks.
You will never be forgotten.
Barbara A. Maxwell
Cadiz, Ohio
And now....to the pictures....click
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