Last night was special. VERY special. Let's go back about 38 years to figure out why.

My Grandma worked at William Jewell College. As head of PR, she was always on campus, taking notes, participating in everything. When I was at her house, which was often, I would tag along. I grew up thinking that the campus was my playground. I would sit on the stairs on the Quad, do my school research projects in the campus library, and go to all of the events. I mean...ALL of the events. Tatler Revue, President's Homecoming, President's Christmas Party (where I ate my share of M&Ms and told Santa of my dreams for Christmas). I would run up to the President's House to grab an apple out of the barrel. I ate lunch in the Cage. ALL of the time. I slid down the hill on my sled. I sunbathed with the freshman girls at Melrose. I learned to ride my bike behind Browning. I went to Cardinal football games (and would SOMETIMES get to cheer with the cheerleaders). I spent my 10th birthday in the gym at Brown Hall, watching the women's basketball game. Of course, Brown Hall is no longer a gym...I was there when they opened Mabee Center. I tell you...my life and the life at Jewell were greatly infused as a child. Naturally, it's the only college I truly wanted to go to. I am proud of my degree, and I am thrilled to live close by, yet again.

One of the highlights of the year occurs the last weekend of November. First, there is Hanging of the Green. Then there is Lighting of the Quad. It's a grand and beautiful event! A concert, singing, reminiscing about Christmas celebrations, the the GRAND EVENT. Going outside Gano, to the Quad, with candles in hand. Circling the Quad. Singing carols, then VOILA! the switch is thrown, and the beautiful historic buildings are lit in red, green and blue lights. It's breathtaking. It's beautiful. Suddenly, THERE IS SANTA! Last night, he was up on the roof, inviting the friends inside the Union for hot chocolate and cookies!

It was magical. Everyone in my family was in awe. This always signifies Christmas. My children loved the orchestra concert (Mikey said, "The music is so magical, I can almost see the notes!). The laughing. The hugs. Connecting with friends. Then Mikey's eyes when he saw Santa...it was incredible. He didn't see Santa arrive on the roof, so when the spotlight hit, his eyes grew as big as saucers, and his mouth dropped open, "MOM!  It's SANTA!  I see SANTA!"

So there I was, in front of Greene Hall, where Grandma worked, and where I grew up. I was on the steps with my family. I felt Grandma's love right then. I loved the warmth. I enjoyed the experience. It was amazing.