We've been enjoying picture-perfect fall weather, and while our visit to Ithaca was scheduled just before the peak weeks to enjoy the changing leaves, the views were still spectacular.
Ten years ago, I stepped foot on campus as a student for the first time, and it was especially sweet to visit again with my husband, who had only visited on business trips during the winter (a very different world during those months), five years after my last visit.
As we drove into Ithaca Commons, we passed by stylish older adults with retro sunglasses and jean jackets, holding posters that read, "Stop Child Abuse," "Ban ICE," and "Honk to Support!" Abrupt car horns chirped all around us, reminding me of how the city of Boston celebrated after Biden won the election in 2020 (Bye-Don video and photos here).
So to not startle my husband who was at the wheel, frantically looking for parking amidst the busy streets, I waved back and they waved even more vigorously, prompting me to burst into tears. I've missed Ithaca so much. To drive into the city and see the boldness of the community's advocacy, their commitment to justice for the vulnerable and oppressed, and their unashamed desire to publicly stand for their beliefs made me long for a lot more in my seemingly too-busy, insular, ironically academic suburban town.
There was also something especially sacred about getting to share memories with my husband that had been tucked away as we retraced steps on campus and drove down roads I knew like the back of my hand from weekend runs. We even discovered a new viewing platform to see how Dairy Bar ice cream is churned and packaged after eating four jumbo scoops of pure bliss ourselves, and stumbled upon an exhibit by a Trujillano at the art museum. Passing by the vet school, my heart swelled with pride over its global recognition, and my heart overflowed when we visited my church and surprised unexpecting friends. There is something so sacred about returning to a place of worship and a family that served as home and continues to set my standard for a Bible-centered church where discipleship flourishes. Surveying the landscape of who's involved in my life today, I'm pretty stunned that a majority of the friends who invest deeply in me and consistently are the ones I met in Ithaca. It wasn't an easy place to live nor call home for quite some time, but I'm so grateful that God saw me through seasons of isolation and blessed me with incredible people who are still active, present, faithful friends today.
We saw the long lines that snaked around blocks for the Friends of the Library book sale, one of the most epic, community-led events I've attended. The vibrance of the Ithaca Farmer's Market planted a big smile on our faces. And to top it all off, no visit, not even one as short as this one was, is complete without a stop at Ithaca Bakery for some solid bagels and sandwiches. Hopefully we won't have to wait another five years before our next visit.
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