In an inspiring story of lifelong friendship, Mercy Rego and her friends show that it’s never too late to embrace adventure. After reconnecting 60 years after their school days, this group of women in their 60s decided to make up for lost time. Their journey started with a simple Facebook search and has since turned into a series of unplanned trips, proving that the golden years can be the most exciting ones.
How a Facebook Post Rekindled a 60-Year Friendship
The story begins with a simple suggestion from Mercy Rego’s son: why not find old schoolmates on Facebook? Acting on curiosity, Mercy began searching for friends from her 1977 class. To her surprise, familiar names and faces started to appear, sparking the reconnection of a bond that had been dormant for decades.
This simple act of reaching out on social media bridged a 60-year gap. Mercy, along with Radhika Krishnan, Ophelia Fernandes, Anjali Vichare, Usha Talawdekar, and Shachi Ugrankar, found their way back to one another. Like many people, they had been uncertain about their futures as young students. Today, they look back on their individual life paths with no regrets, ready to write new chapters together.
From Mumbai to Bengaluru: The First Spontaneous Trip
What started as a plan to meet for a simple get-together in Mumbai quickly evolved into something much grander. Fueled by excitement, the group decided their reunion deserved a proper celebration. They planned their very first trip together, heading to a farmhouse in Kolar Mines, Bengaluru.
For four days, they were completely immersed in each other’s company. The farmhouse became their world, filled with singing, swimming, dancing, and endless conversations to catch up on the years they had missed. Mercy recalls, “We didn’t get out of the farmhouse for four days. It was pure joy.”
This initial adventure was a resounding success. It not only allowed them to relive old memories but also proved that their friendship was as strong and vibrant as ever, setting the stage for even bigger journeys.
Taking on the World: The Malaysia Expedition
After the wonderful experience in Bengaluru, the friends felt encouraged to think bigger. Their next adventure would take them beyond India’s borders. In 2023, they planned and embarked on an exciting international trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The trip was a perfect blend of thrill and nostalgia. They created priceless memories while enjoying a variety of activities.
- Cable Car Rides: The group enjoyed stunning views as they soared high above the city.
- Speed Boat Cruises: They felt the rush of adrenaline with thrilling rides across the water.
- Chocolate Factory Visits: Indulging their sweet tooth, they visited local chocolate factories for delicious treats.
Reflecting on the more adventurous moments, Ophelia Fernandes joked, “We thought our intestines would come out!” These shared experiences, full of laughter and excitement, further strengthened their incredible bond.
Life Doesn’t End at Retirement: A New Beginning
Mercy Rego is a strong advocate for staying active and engaged after retirement. She often advises others, “Don’t make the mistakes we made. Enjoy life.” For her, retirement was not an end but a new opportunity to follow her passions.
After years as a homemaker, Mercy pursued a career in education, eventually becoming a school principal. Now, in her retirement, she hasn’t slowed down. She teaches life skills at a college in Mangaluru, using her wisdom and experience to inspire the next generation to live life to the fullest. Her friends share this belief that travel and new experiences are essential for a happy and fulfilling life in their golden years.
The Unique Bonds of a Lifelong Friendship
The foundation of their friendship was built during their school days, filled with shared secrets and playful antics. Mercy fondly remembers making deals with a classmate, May Jacinto, who was talented in arts and crafts. “I remember asking her to do my projects in exchange for helping her with her homework,” she says. These small, shared moments from the past created an unbreakable connection.
Each friend contributes a unique flavor to the group’s dynamic, which makes their time together so special.
| Friend’s Name | Unique Trait |
| Radhika Krishnan | Loves a good vada pav. |
| Ophelia Fernandes | The life of the party. |
| Anjali Vichare | Was a top science student. |
| Usha Talawdekar | A culinary enthusiast. |
| Shachi Ugrankar | Keeps everyone laughing. |
This diversity in personalities ensures that their adventures are always lively, memorable, and full of joy.
Embracing Freedom and Living in the Moment
Mercy’s personal philosophy is beautifully captured by her tattoo of an open birdcage. “The open cage signifies freedom,” she explains. It serves as a constant reminder to live without being held back by regrets and to fully embrace the present.
Her advice to younger generations is both simple and powerful. “Money will come, houses will come, love will come, and everything will fall into place. But don’t lose your youth. Don’t forget to enjoy the present. You don’t know what tomorrow holds.” This mindset is the driving force behind the group’s spontaneous journeys and their shared happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Mercy Rego and her friends reconnect after 60 years?
They reconnected after Mercy’s son suggested she search for old schoolmates on Facebook. She found friends from her class of 1977, which reignited their long-lost friendship.
What advice do these friends have for people approaching retirement?
They advise everyone, especially retirees, to stay active and enjoy life. They believe retirement is not a time to slow down but an opportunity to pursue passions and new experiences.
Where did the group go on their first international trip?
Their first international trip was to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2023. They enjoyed various activities, including cable car rides, speed boat cruises, and visiting a chocolate factory.
What makes their friendship so strong after all these years?
Their bond is built on a foundation of shared childhood memories and is strengthened by their recent travel adventures. Their diverse personalities create a vibrant dynamic, and they support each other through everything.
What does Mercy Rego’s tattoo symbolize?
Mercy has a tattoo of an open birdcage, which she says signifies freedom. It is a personal reminder to live in the present moment without regrets and to embrace spontaneity.
