Saturday, January 22, 2011

At St Martin's College

OK, first I should say that the title of this blog should be "At St Martin's University" but when I was a student here, it was St Martin's College. Click here for a link to the school! The mission statement says, "Saint Martin’s University is a Catholic Benedictine institution of higher education that empowers students to pursue a lifetime of learning and accomplishment in all arenas of human endeavor." And that IS exactly what they do there!


So I spent 1986-1991 here as an undergraduate. St Martin's is located in Lacey, Washington, just a stone's throw from Olympia (the state capital). I was, of course, an English major and primarily studied under Father Kilian and Les Bailey. They both taught me everything I know about literature -- and teaching.



And as friends and readers of this blog know, Les died on Christmas eve. The memorial service for Les is today at 1 PM at the Abbey Church, the heart of St Martin's. I had to be here for it -- Les was like a father to me and there was no way I could miss the chance to tell him good-bye (as glib as that might sound). I flew out to Seattle from St Louis on Thursday (during a snow storm!) and I will be leaving tomorrow. I've been staying with "my other mother," Mary, who is one of the coolest people that I know. If anything, St Martin's inserted the most influential people into my life just at the time that I most needed them. So ... somehow I will need to get through this service without crying my head off.

I promise more later -- I will say that I love Washington state and a small part of me regrets moving away from the area. But things happen for a reason, I guess. I don't think I would have ever met Jim if I would have stayed in the area after graduating.

PS: Thanks to Laurie for the fabulous scarf (to match my gloves and hat) -- I have been wearing it a lot because it completely matches my black and white coat! And Rachel -- words cannot begin to express the gratitude about the Lush items -- I can't take a bath yet but when I can it is going to be an awesome one! :D

2 comments:

  1. So glad to hear from you...! I'm sure the service will be tough...but good that you're there to say goodbye. Take care of yourself and keep healing!!!

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  2. I'm so glad it made it there safely! I hope you're able to enjoy the non-bath goodies in the meantime. You deserve some pampering. =)

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