Today I am thankful for a phone call from a Duhawk

11/27/21

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At my college orientation, they taught us how to answer the question “What is a DuHawk?” The proper response to this question, at least when asked it in person, is to smile at the person and say, “You’re looking at one!”

I love answering that question. I really do. And I have answered it exactly that way many, many times. And yes, I am indeed a DuHawk. I’m really proud to be able to call myself that.

The more technical answer to this question is that a DuHawk is the official mascot of Loras College. Loras is located in Dubuque, Iowa, so to be precise, one could say that a DuHawk is a Dubuque Hawk. Dewey the DuHawk is a large bird that wears purple and gold. He’s pretty rad. Actually, I think it’s safe to say that all DuHawks are, in fact, pretty rad.

I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve lost touch with many of my DuHawk friends, though. Life happens and people move and time passes and people lose touch. It’s sad, but true. Thankfully I’ve been able to remain connected to some of my fellow DuHawks via social media, so we are at least somewhat up to date on each other’s lives. But today, I got a phone call from one of my dearest college friends, Elizabeth. She’s not on social media and I haven’t talked to her in several years. I was certainly surprised (and very excited) to see her name pop up on my phone. It was so wonderful to hear her voice. If I’d closed my eyes I could practically transport myself into her Beckman Hall apartment, where we’d hang out and solve all of the world’s problems together. We chatted for over an hour tonight and got caught up on each other’s lives. Although we haven’t talked in years, it was as natural and easy to talk to her as if no time had passed at all. That’s the sign of a good, good friend.

Tonight I’m grateful to have reconnected with my friend, Elizabeth. I’m thankful for friendships that survive across the country and over the span of many, many years. I’m thankful for all the wonderful college memories that flooded back just hearing her voice.

Ah, it’s good to be a DuHawk. I’m pretty darn thankful for that too.