It was while sitting in a university’s student union, having coffee with my husband, that I was compelled to get up and use one of the school’s computers to log into WordPress. (Yup, kinda always thinking about WordPress! 
) I wanted to find out what this week’s photo challenge theme was because I had brought my camera along on this trip, somehow already knowing the theme, and our day, would go together.
And when I saw it, I smiled. It was perfect. One single word described so well what this moment was for us.
Beyond.
Our whole day was about beyond.
Because you see, we had traveled to the campus so our daughter Meg could meet the professors and students who will be part of a whole new world for her. With her upcoming graduation from high school, everything she knows is on the verge of changing and will soon be left behind. She will be leaving home, she will be on her own, she will be in a totally new environment. Doors will be opening to experiences and learning opportunities currently beyond her imagination.
Once finished with our coffee and now armed with the theme, Neal and I used the two hours we had before it was time to pick up Meg to wander around campus. I looked upon all that surrounded me with an adventurer’s eye.
Kids playing ultimate frisbee on the quad, the library, the setting sun. Everything presented itself as picture perfect, but not the perfect picture.
But then, I saw it.
The building that houses the Honors College Meg will be part of and above it was the rising moon.
I had found my photo.
After I got the shot, I felt at peace as Neal and I continued walking around campus in those early evening hours of a winter’s Friday night. When we arrived at the reception we found Meg engaged in a group of young ladies, fully animated in conversation and we hung back, unnoticed, so she could just be, so she could experience on her own what will be the first of many tremendous college experiences. Then finally, she saw us, and with a wave invited us over and we were introduced to her new fellows. She was happy. She was excited and I knew in my heart, the way a mother does, that there is so much waiting for my baby and she is going to be just fine.
Yes.
She is going to college, to the moon and beyond.
Visit here for more interpretations of the Weekly Photo Challenge’s Beyond.
Thank you for sharing that…it was beautiful, I have tears in my eyes.
Awwww, thank you Paula. It was a special day and I am glad I got to honor it.
Excellent. The world is as it should be. On many levels.
As a side note, you should submit your photo to the school – I personally think it is one of the more inspiring and impressive captures out there, including the ones in the school’s collection.
Why thank you. It was a wonderful afternoon. You know how sometimes everything just comes together so nicely, well that was yesterday. I have never submitted a photo, hummm. Don’t quite know how to do that, and I think, little ole me’s photo??? Oh, speaking of photos, I gotta go take that one for you…
Awesome – college is everything about beyond! So glad you captured this shot. Perfect.
Good thing you have the camera with you. There’s always a surprise waiting to be discovered in every travel and journey. Beautiful shot! Have a great weekend.
You are absolutely right about toting a camera around. (It can be clunky at times, but well worth it!) And then, with the photo challenge it helps me to focus, quite literally, on what I am looking at. It helps me seek out an image to attach to the word. I enjoy that!
Serendipity for sure! Happy for you -
Don’t you just love serendipity!
Great shot
Thank you!