Taking Ross down to U of Oregon and Oregon State was a very interesting endeavor. UO just seems so much 'busier' to me, while OSU is so bucolic and calm. Of course, I went to OSU and loved it.
But the weirdest of the weird was going to OSU, parking in front of my ex-boyfriend's fraternity house (Sigma Phi Epsilon) and just feeling so much as though all those years had not passed and I was still that young girl. And then looking up and being with my 17 year-old-son, who is probably going to go to my old school.
It was a gorgeous spring day, with all the azaleas and rhododendrons blooming and the grass all emerald green. I remember walking along the same lane, near the Memorial Union with that same ex-boyfriend, holding hands and feeling in love. And then I found myself with my son, not there in the past after all.
Ross seems to prefer Oregon State to UO, and so I will find myself going to Mom's Weekends and this time I will be the mom, not the student taking the mom around, as I did over 25 years ago. I can tell I will continue to struggle with this disconnect between who I was and who I am now.
The feeling of nostalgia is such a strong emotion, isn't it? I haven't felt that with Sydney yet, but I have felt it at different times in my life...revisiting my high school, or the summer camp I went every summer. It will be strage to feel it someday in connection with my children. Very cool that Ross prefers OSU...good choice!
BTW, I love your last illustration! It's SO cute, and it made me laugh!
Posted by: Stephanie | Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at 01:11 PM
Some events sure make you wonder where the years go, don't they?
Posted by: Barbara W. Klaser | Monday, May 09, 2005 at 04:59 PM
there is only the present and you ARE that 17-year old girl!
Posted by: bluepoppy | Monday, May 09, 2005 at 08:34 AM
I didn't go to college...and don't have children...but I still struggle with the disconnect between my younger self and my present one. :) Go Beavers!
Posted by: Marilyn | Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 09:47 PM
I think it would be a difficult bridge to build between your past at Oregan State and the present with your son. It is strange when we bring loved ones to a place that we knew before they were in our lives.
Posted by: arlene | Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 05:37 PM
That would be a very strange feeling. I hadn't been up to UW for several years, and then lately, there have been several gymnastics meets at Hec Ed Pavilion. (including state)That felt weird to go back--all those memories!
Posted by: Margaret | Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 10:52 PM