#colehall

Cole Hall Mansion #colehouse #colemansion #colehall #plantingfields #arboretum #nature #trees #longisland #flora #fauna #history (at Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CC9BD6gjI4v/?igshid=9h8ae5p96vg1

I'm remembering back to this time, and how scared and alone we all felt, how our little town and safe home fell apart, and how so many people were so brave in big and little ways. I remember going to church for the first time in ten years, and how the reporters badgered us while we prayed. I remember the vigil, and the tears, and the panic. I remember how all of us came together from near and far, and I had a safe cave of love in my apartment. I remember running into Cole Hall minutes after the shooting to look for Mark, and being let into the Theatre building even though they were under lockdown and being welcomed by caring people. I remember frantically calling people on my phone and finally changing my voicemail to let people that couldn't reach me that we were ok. I remember this date, and NIU, almer mater that I love.