Today I had occasion to call one of my former professors at UD. He taught me everything I know (okay, maybe not everything) about water. The properties of water, how water behaves as it travels through pipes, how water reacts to pressure, detention basins, drinking water systems, waste water design (Mother Nature designs wastewater...we all know that!), etc. It's strange to return to a place where I was the kid and he was the teacher, feeling now that we are colleagues. In some ways, the time between the college years and present seems like an eternity. A lifetime has occurred between then and now. In some ways, however, it seems like the blink of an eye. As if on a moment's notice, I could be transported back to my old apartment, packing my bookbag for the day ahead. Climbing into my little blue Tersel to drive to campus and search for a parking space. At a moment's notice, I could stop by the boys' house on Kiefaber for a few minutes before we collectively walk to Transportation Class. It's all there. Every moment, living in my memory.

This afternoon, as if on cue, I was walking through the mall and spotted my college boyfriend's mom looking at shoes. I froze. My heart stopped for an instant. In that instant, I chose, possibly unwisely, not to say hello. I wasn't up to it. Not today. Come Saturday, at her son's wedding, I'll leave the twinge of sad nostalgia of those years behind and greet her with the joy of a happy day for her and her family. A lifetime has occured between then and now. All memories are of equal importance.