Where do I begin after such a long but exciting weekend?
Last Tuesday night, I fell ill with sinus/head cold congestion; it was not pleasant. By Wednesday, my nose was clogged. But, Thursday morning Isaac, Chris, and I left New York to head to London and Oxford.
The back of the Sheldonian Theatre, the place for Nicholas' graduation.
Then onto Oxford and our hotel. Immediately, we connect to the internet, receiving messages from family in Australia. My mother-in-law had passed away, one day before her grandson’s graduation and two days before Mother’s Day. It was impossible for us to get to Australia, but it was wonderful—and abnormal—for the entire family to be together during such a life-changing event.
The Eagle and the Child, where Lewis Carroll and J.R.R Tolkien would discuss their unfinished manuscripts over beer.
We finally met up with Nicholas and his fiancée Lakshmi at the Oxford University Mathematics’ Department on Friday. Nathanael also joined us from Austin. We began our walking trip around the colleges of Oxford, noting changes and once again familiarizing with a town that has meant so much to our family.
Looking down from the doorway at the Bodleian Library.
Oxford: Where my husband Chris and I met on a bus trip long ago; where Chris received his D.Phil in Engineering Science; where Nathanael was born; where the family lived for Chris' six-month study leave; where Nicholas learned that he could learn; and, finally, where Nicholas would graduate with a D.Phil in Applied Mathematics.
All the boys together (Chris, Isaac, Nicholas, and Nathanael) in front of the Mathematics' Institute.
Next post: Graduation!
Cheers,
Lois
