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Take a Selfie

My cousin Tina hugged me closely at our most recent family reunion back in July. She said, "I've been telling everyone I talk to, and I'll tell you also. It's the best advice I have. Take selfies. Take lots. I realize now how few photos I have of us together." I swallowed the expanding lump in my dry throat and squeezed her in return as tears brimmed. I thanked her repeatedly for the advice, and in my mind, I thought She's right. This is something I will do.
Rusty Thompson '85
Tina's husband Rusty died last March. He was only 54, and a massive heart attack took him too soon. Rusty bled more maroon than any other Aggie I've ever met, and he was a funny guy. Hysterical. After a short stint post-graduation of working at a red and black college in the panhandle, Rusty was hired at Texas A&M and never left. Over time, he became a staple, a permanent part of Aggieland. He worked with thousands of students in Residence Life - including me while I was there - and everyone knew his smile and his jokes. It will take some serious passage of time before the gaping hole he left in his family, both red blood and maroon, heals. For some, it may never.

 This past weekend, we met my brother and his wife and kids in Aggieland for a football game. The hubs and I haven't been back in ages, and we savored the memories and laughs and reminiscing. We also yelled A LOT as the Aggies WON on Saturday (67-0 Whoop!). Following the game, we were invited to Tina's house. Several of my cousins were there, and we ate together and celebrated a great win. Tina looked wonderful. She smiled. She giggled. She told stories. And there were many hugs. In her home, Rusty is ever present, his eyes shining from photos recent and old. I heard his voice in his son's taunts as we shot some hoops in the driveway. It felt good to be with all of them and enjoy the evening.
Ian at the statue of Sul Ross.
You rub his toes for good luck before a test!

 But I didn't take any photos while I was there.
Ian & Emily
Today, before we left College Station for home, we wandered campus and an old haunt or two, and I remembered Tina's advice. So I took lots of pictures! I have several from our short weekend there, and most are, of course, of our kids. Seeing our kids' eyes sparkle as they witness the greatness of a college atmosphere just keeps me snapping photos! Guess it's a mom's job. 

 Luckily, I also got in a selfie. It's not the most glamorous one; it was before the game yesterday when we'd been out in the toasty morning sun watching March In, so my hair had already turned to frizz and sweat dampened our faces. But it's a selfie, and the hubs and I are together, smiling, in the place we learned about ourselves, each other, and love. 
My one selfie with Mike (and my brother photo bombing in back...)
I will remember Tina's wisdom grown from the deepest pain, and I will do better in the future. And I'm here to spread her idea that maybe taking selfies isn't just about us but about who we are with so that we may always remember how happy we are with the people we love, especially if they aren't around anymore.



The Century Tree at A&M
It really is over 100 years old!
Emily, Ryan, Ava, and Ian
Working on their 12th Man poses!

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