Reunited And It Feels So Good

It had been 37 years since we were thrown together by fate to share our first college years in a poorly equipped state university in what then was a small Philippine city. Most of my classmates have spread their wings and settled down in different parts of the world— mostly in the US. Of the three major reunions set, this was the first time that it was held in the US. This time around, 15 college classmates (out of about 30 or so) came together once more to celebrate friendship. The same faces, albeit with a few added pounds, white strands of hair, and life lines here and there; the same funny stories that continue to be a box office hit, retold a zillion times; and, the same tight connection that could not be easily severed or forgotten.

It is this same tight connection that embolden each to reveal poignant experiences at every reunion: initially about our growing families, our work and our interests. And as we move to the present, our stories have evolved into deeper and thought provoking insights on spirituality, the hurdles passed or continue to experience, on growing old—menopause, health issues, empty nesting, and on views of what now is really important to us.

And it is this same tight connection that moves us to acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses of each other. To accept, to forgive, to continue to love.

8 ~ 8 ~8 ~ 8 ~8 ~ 8 ~8 ~ 8 ~8 ~ 8 ~8 ~ 8 ~

My classmates and I never seem to tire of listening again and again about how so-and-so got drunk for the first time; or, how some of us cheated on a Spanish quiz; or, about the infamous trek up a mountain. Of course, we relived the moments with songs— ABBA, the BeeGees, Motown; and, dances of our college days--- twelve steps; swing; hassle; salsa; the bump.
But there were also newness to our get-together— some brought their siblings; some, their spouses; others, their kids ; and, still some, their best friends. Their presence and interaction widen further the circle of connection. They too felt the camaraderie and immediately felt at ease.

And our reunion would not be complete without the FOOD. Over the years, some of us have honed our cooking skills while others have stocked up on knowledge on contact numbers of delicious take-out restaurants.

What follows below is a breakfast pudding recipe prepared by a classmate who now lives in Virginia. Simple and easy. But the end result: impressive, delicious and not to be forgotten for a long while.

M’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients
• 1 (16 ounce) package Regular Flavor Jimmy Dean Pork Sausage
• 10 eggs, lightly beaten
• 4 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 cups cubed bread (about ¾ of a loaf of bread)
• ¼ cup diced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 325 F. In large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until thoroughly cooked and no longer pink. In large mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, pepper and salt; stir well.
2. Distribute the bread evenly in a buttered 9 x 13 x 2 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the sausage, the onion and any other optional ingredient. Distribute the shredded cheese then pour egg mixture evenly over casserole.



3. Bake uncovered for 55-60 minutes, or until eggs are set. Tent with foil if top begins to brown too quickly.



Footnotes
• may be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 12 hours before baking.
• You may substitute the sausage for any other preferred sausages or cold cuts like (just remember to crumble or cube before frying) :
o Ham
o Spam
o Luncheon Meat
• You might want to add the following optional ingredients:
o 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
o 1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped
o 1/2 cup thin-sliced green onion
o 1/2 cup broccoli flowerlets or asparagus