The year was 1970. An average American’s annual income was $9,400, a gallon of gas cost 36 cents, and a postage stamp set you back 6 cents – which added up since there was no such thing as email or (perish the thought) text messages.
It was also the year that four friends (left to right), Barbara Mankoff, Wendy Wessberg, Mindy Lazar, and Donna Shryer, graduated from 8th grade.
Ah! A truly momentous occasion deserving of the hours it took to prepare—which went something like this.
Before each girl zipped herself into the mandatory white lace dress, hemmed so short that she dare not breathe, she sat before her True-to-Light Clairol makeup mirror, which allowed a girl to see herself in fluorescent, natural, and candle-like light. With
steady hands, Barbara, Wendy,Mindy, and Donna liberally encircled each eye with
himmering, opalescent shadow. (Hence the girls’ resemblance to starry-eyed raccoons. Yes, the unearthly effect can be photoshopped out, but somehow that seems disrespectful to the day.) Next came a swoosh of iridescent frosted slicker, perhaps Yardley’s Good Night or the
more coquettish Good Morning.
Then it was off to Locust Jr. High and one final walk through the building. But before
accepting that coveted diploma, someone at some point snapped this photograph, which
sat in a memory box for more than...well...a very long time. And today the girls reunite — in some cases for the first time in decades — to send Wendy a message.
Barbara Mankoff Fishman: Wendy ... So glad to be included in sending birthday wishes your way. One of my fondest memories since our childhood was your insistence on my going to our 30th reunion so we could reconnect! Hope your 55th is joyous. Fondly ... Barbara
Mindy Lazar Jacobson: Dear Wendy, I always looked up to you for many reasons, but the main one was because you were (are) beautiful both inside and out. You always made me laugh and sometimes so hard that the snow turned yellow!!! I would love to reconnect soon!! I hope all your wishes come true. Happy healthy birthday. Love, Mindy
Donna Shryer: Wendy, I wish you a truly beautiful 55th birthday. Your unconditional love — even when I so did not deserve it — is a treasured blessing that goes beyond any possible definition of friendship. Thank you for being in my life. Happy Birthday! Love, Donna
