Places and times

Last week, I was walking through the Beamer Center at Wheaton. I was suddenly struck with a very odd feeling/thought: "I have so much history here." Not just a flighty thought - a very heavy phrase in my mind. It was such a strange feeling. I spent four years of my life within half a mile of that spot. I passed through it nearly every day. I've never been so grounded in one place - usually, your home, work, school, friends, etc. are all in different places. Not at a residential college. Plus, I changed so much in those four years - I grew up. I matured - emotionally, socially, even physically (I looked a lot older at 22 than 18! even if still unnaturally young). I have so much history here. It was so odd to think of how many different mes passed through that spot - and that I was none of them. I almost felt like a stranger to myself. You know how your mind can grasp for some old familiar mode when you find yourself revisiting an old haunt or situation, like you can temporarily revert to the character you were? I couldn't even do that. I was a total foreigner in my own head.

This was probably a horrible explanation of what I was feeling, but if anyone has any similar experiences to share, thoughts to give, etc. on a sense of place, the idea of home, memory, etc., I always love a good discussion! : )

Shannon

P.S. On our way to visit Chris, Emma, and Will over in Nebraska tomorrow! So excited! : )