The alma mater and future college

While we were at my alma mater last week visiting our friend who is finishing up his first year there, I took every opportunity to acquaint Serene with her future college, introducing her to Ackerman, The Hill, BruinWalk, the Wooden Center, Powell, Royce, and the like as we ambled through campus. As I did, feelings of nostalgia washed over me upon the realization that college was quite a while ago. The fact that a smattering of new buildings has sprung up since then, and that the undergrads moseying about look insanely young, was jarring too. I confess, I felt old and out of place wearing a grandma-style skirt and toting around my nearly 8 month old babe, though she had a blast beholding the sprawling campus, brick edifices, and masses of young folks. I recall the undergrad years fondly, and I can't fathom what college would be like for Serene 18 years from now. Hopefully, she'll still be able to take naps at Powell, study beneath the shady columns of Royce, and graduate with a student debt she'll be able to pay off within her lifetime. Of course, God has her post secondary education plans all figured out, even if we don't at the moment. Though Alex is not too keen on the idea of her attending UCLA, I like to joke (and hope) that Serene is a future Bruin. I wouldn't mind if the wee stuffed Joe Bruin we got her that afternoon helps to shape her college preferences. ;)

P.S. Serene got that horrid gash on her nose last week from an accidental tumble off our bed and fight with the nightstand on the way down. The marking of a fearless and curious little gal who is constantly on the move to discover the world around her. I was so worried and sad when Alex called me at work with the news, but so thankful to the Lord that she's okay after a trip to her doctor, who reassured us so. Another reminder that her life is ultimately in God's hands, and that He is a better heavenly Father than Alex and I can ever hope to be as parents.