Every year of our lives is so precious; every moment — good or bad — is valuable, as we have lived and learned, year after year, since childhood. As the ones not on this sad list, we know that these gatherings–with the laughter, embarrassing memories, toasting our old friends and overlooking their physical changes–matter to us right now. We are still here, and our lost friends remind us to doggedly chase after good times. We will be glad we had at least this one more memorable time together.