They were shocked that we were heading to a "foreign country!" (Allie's assessment after spending a day in Stratford was, "Wow, foreign countries are great!"
After arriving in Stratford, I took a big sigh and just relaxed. I said to my friend, "I love coming here. I only have happy memories of this place." I have been going to Stratford since 1996. Sometimes I have gone with friends, sometimes with students and colleagues who are more than just colleagues, and once by myself.
We walked the town, ate at familiar restaurants, and stopped a lot just to look. I could actually see in my mind various people with whom I have shared experiences. A few of my many memories: A long coffee at a coffee shop with Steve Kirkpatrick. I remember people-watching with him while he graded papers. A big bunch of CHS teachers eating dinner and then abruptly ending dinner due to a fire in a local warehouse. Sitting with my husband watching a play. A student getting hit in the nose with a program. "Hmm" from the usher when she questioned whether or not I was old enough to be a chaperone. (For some reason, they don't question me any more.) Long nights talking in the hallway of the hospital dorm watching students scatter from room to room. The list goes on...
Sharing this trip with my daughter reminded me of the happy and yet somewhat sad reality that she is growing up. I am one step closer to sitting with her in a coffee shop wishing she had more time to tell me her thoughts and feelings on life. One step closer to her further independence. One step closer to her own adventures.
I hope this was the first in a long line of future adventures to Stratford with my Allie. I am thankful that I have a place like Stratford that only brings me happiness. I hope that when she is 37, she takes sidelong glances at her daughter watching her first production at the Festival theatre and only has happy memories.
