Alumnae Mass in the Gym

I took a breath to calm my nerves and walked into the auditorium, as it’s now called. Instead of the darting furrows of disapproval I remember from arriving late to school masses, an endearing smile beckoned me over to the Parent’s section. I wasn’t the parent of any girl at the school, but with my ten-month-old daughter in arms, I knew I’d have some understanding company.

The 2010 Alumnae Mass proceeded as I generally expected it to go. There were readings, a Gospel, some prayers for people in need and, of course, Communion. The choir, much bigger than when Mrs. Koch used to play that piano, sang hymns which flooded back effortlessly to my head.

I sat a little taller when I realised that I didn’t need to follow along on the projector as we finished with a rousing version of “Hail, holy queen enthroned above. Oh Ma-ri-a….” It felt like I’d never left; although the jeans were much more comfortable than the drafty kilt and glow-in-the-dark boxers.

I still don’t know why I decided to go to this Mass. I know that I wanted to see if Ms. Slayton and Mr. Coady were still there. I was curious about all these renovations I’d heard of. I figured that my young charge could serve as the ice breaker with people I didn’t know. In the end, I didn’t need her. The principal, Marcelle De Freitas, offered a smile that welcomed me instantly and I was home again. The reception was in the Dining Hall, somehow just like and nothing like the basement of Foundress Hall. I found myself wishing that I’d dragged my sister and best friend with me. Both alumnae; I wanted them to see Little Flower now. It smelled exactly the same. It felt exactly the same. It’s still LFA, just polished.

And that polish has revived, not only my dear alma mater, but also my personal pride in it. I crossed Nanton, brimming with nostalgia and beaming with a firm resolve....it certainly won’t be another 15 years until my return.

Come back, ladies. Step together.