PARENTS' WEEKEND

I was fortunate to visit Nicholas this weekend for Syracuse Parents' Weekend! It had been a little over a month since he left for school, so it was so nice to see him again and catch up in his environment.

Like last year, he stayed in my hotel with me for the weekend, and we took in the sites and tastes of Syracuse. 

We even saw a football game, in which Syracuse blew away Holy Cross! Go 'Cuse!

More than the wonderful food and sites, I enjoyed spending quality time with Nicholas most of all. It is hard to believe he is 19 years old and that he has navigated his first 13 months of college so well. That is a testament to his focus, character, and maturity. I know I was much less mature than him at his age, and I am not sure what has made him so wise beyond his years.

As we spent time together, I was struck by just how grateful I am to have the amazing family that I do. In the end, what more is there in life than time and experiences and expressions of love with the people we care about. In so many ways, that is the lesson that life has revealed to me over and over again, and I will try to remember that virtue the next time I feel cynical or down about the state of the world or about my life. 

I cannot imagine anything more important than seeing my kids grow into the people they will become and supporting them through their ups and downs. My parents have always been that source of support for me, and I feel privileged that my kids might think of me in the same way. 

Nicholas will be back home on fall break in two weeks. Until then, I will fondly recall the memories of this past weekend with my guy. You are one of my favorite people in the world, son, and I am so lucky to be your dad.