Abby in Seattle: August 2013

In May, I went back to college for a weekend. It was my 5 year college reunion. It was a wonderful weekend and I am so glad I got to go.

I took a red eye from Seattle to Chicago. Unfortunately, I couldn’t really sleep. Partly excited and partly just uncomfortable flying positions. Then, I got to Chicago to find out my flight was cancelled due to “weather” (which was beautiful minus a summer storm on Saturday). So I grabbed the first bus ride to South Bend. Got in a couple hours later but got there!

I checked in and found my roommate for the weekend, my friend Megan Gill. We were very lucky to get a room in our favorite hall, LeMans, and have a full bathroom! However, we were locked out of our room for a bit due to lock changes…however, we were able to get in finally! And we were able to make it in time to catch a grounds tour of SMC. Following that was the first event: dinner at the good old dining hall followed by the All Class Party. It was a great time and we all had a blast. We followed up by going all out and making it out to a traditional ND/SMC bar, The Backer (The Linebacker).

The next day was an address by the lovely Carol Ann Mooney, president of SMC*. This was followed by a picnic where I was finally able to see my lovely friend, Caitlyn and her husband and her wonderful baby boy, Michael. I had so much fun seeing him. He was just precious. Caitlyn and I attempted to visit the Business department but there wasn’t anyone we really wanted to see.

I then TRIED to go to a bakery my mom grew up with in Downtown South Bend to bring her home some sweet treats, but pulled up less than 10 minutes after they closed. Failure! So defeated, I went to the Grotto at ND. It is my favorite place on ND’s campus. It is a replica of the Grotto in Lourdes where St. Bernadette had visions of Mother Mary. It is a quiet place to pray and it is filled with candles. It is absolutely beautiful.

Following that was a banquet and awards ceremony. It was long but I truly enjoyed one of the speakers. Her name is Holly Jacobs and my favorite part of her speech was “Silver linings always exist. They don’t take away the rain but they provide an umbrella.” This resonated with me.

Following this, we visited another bar of my college days, Finni’s (which actually hasn’t been called this since like 2004 but no one calls it any other name!). I took an easy that night. Caitlyn and I left a little earlier than the crowd. It was a crazy weekend and by this point, I was could have fallen asleep standing up.

The next day was a champagne brunch and check out. Before I left, I went around campus and took some pictures and just tried take it all in. I had a little over an hour left before I needed to be at the airport. I was debating what to do when I got a text about a death in a family back in Murrieta. So I returned to the Grotto and lit a candle for them and then walked a bit at ND.

Of course I was able to make it to both bookstores and spend plenty of money.

There is something so special about being a woman who graduated from SMC and there is an understanding among us but no one quite gets it. It is such a unique place. I had some of the best and worst days there. I had some of the best friendships that started there. I had some professors that changed my life. Memories that will truly last a life time. I look forward to the next time I am on campus.

* Part of the Commencement 2013 speech Carol Ann that explains SMC a little better than I am able to:

“Remember Saint Mary’s is not just a College you attended. It is far more than that. Saint Mary’s is our home where a piece of our selves will reside for all eternity. Saint Mary’s is a mother. And, her arms are always open to welcome us home. She longs for your next return.”- Jennifer Mathile Prikkel, class of 95