Stomping Ground

This is the view from St. Paul's chapel on the campus of Columbia University where my husband and I were married 26 years ago. I love this campus. It was the place I came to when I first arrived in New York City as an untried 18 year old. I eventually lived in sixteen different places in that neighborhood, dorm rooms and then apartments. I have never left. My future husband and I shared our first kiss in the shadow of the old world lanterns that stood guard on either side of the steps to Low Library. My children played on the red brick and cobblestones of College Walk when they were small and climbed in and out of the fountains. I relish the fact that this hallowed place of learning with it's majestic past and present century architecture and students of all the world's nationalities is my literal back yard. And every winter, as the holidays approach, the tree lined walk becomes a fairy-lit wonderland, illuminating the city that I decided when I was just five years old and visiting Aunt Winnie, was where I was meant to be. Perhaps I already knew Aunt Winnie would one day need me, as I have needed her.