On the Library patio there are two dark green metal benches with gracefully curving lines, their backs and seats strips of continuous metal flowing in an inviting pattern much like one of those old fashioned summer lawn chairs with the plastic webbing. We were nervous about placing them there, fearful they would wander off, but we couldn't rivet them to the stonework, so we plunked them down and watched to see what would happen.
As we thought, they tended to wander about from one end of the patio to the other. So far they have stayed on the patio close to the low stone wall looking out over campus towards the Voller Athletic Center and Rinker Administration Building. Sometimes this winter, all you could see of the two benches were their top bars barely sticking up over the banks of snow that collect on that part of the patio.
The main walkways have heated coils under the stonework, and remain clear almost all the time right up to the drain centered between the heated part and the unheated part of the patio. One day as I was headed into the library after an evening of fresh snowfall, I noticed some curious indentations in the snow next to the northern most bench. On closer investigation I realized they were two child-sized snow angels neatly inscribed in the snow side by side. Best of all, they appeared to be holding hands.
Whoever put them there left a wonderful message of hope and love for all to see. I thought instantly of the wonderful stories of my childhood like the Little House on the Prairie series and the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale. Children making their way in the world, holding on to each other and overcoming life's difficulties. Even as the snow has melted and the figures are fading away, I smile every morning when I pass them on my way to work. Hang on to your loved ones. You'll make it just fine.
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