RUNNING IN THE RAIN

One of our favorite family activities is going for walks in our neighborhood. Though we have several routes, our standard is up Vinewood Blvd. to Washtenaw Avenue, which we affectionately call the "Washtenaw" walk. 

This week, Cate and I decided to go for an evening Washtenaw walk. The temperature was pleasant, but the sky looked a little cloudy - not dissimilar to many nights this time of year. Undaunted, we headed out. We talked about school, sports, and what she was looking forward to this summer. 

However, once we reached the halfway point, the sky began to darken a little more. A few raindrops beat down on our heads. Within a few minutes, we are caught in the midst of a downpour! 

Fortunately, we had on our running shoes, and we decided to ran the half mile, or so, home. We managed to avoid getting completely soaked, but it felt refreshing to be out there together. 

Not waiting for the rain to pass; rather, running in the rain is one of the simple pleasures that makes life beautiful.

DUCKING HOME

At the end of each semester, the staff at the Daily Orange, Syracuse's school newspaper, who are rotating off their positions write columns called "Ducks." Today, I stumbled across the column Nicholas wrote after finishing up his term as Sports Editor.

The columns are heartfelt and offer shoutouts to the other staff members who have touched them personally and professionally. For obvious reasons, I found Nicholas' to be particularly moving. What became clear was just how influential and important his time at 230 Euclid, the address of the "D.O." as the Daily Orange is affectionately known, has been.

The number of people he thanked numbered into the twenties, and it felt so good to read about and "meet" the many individuals who have looked out for our boy and made him the tremendous writer, editor, and leader he has become at the paper and beyond.

I could not be more proud of Nicholas and how much he has grown since going to college I feel so happy that we encouraged him to leave home to attend Syracuse so he could chase his dream of becoming a journalist. His "Duck" clearly demonstrates that these he is right where he belongs - in his new home!

THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR

Friends have always been a vital part of my life. Since our move here seven years ago, I have missed having close friends nearby. Without friends, most days revolve around work and family time. While I enjoy both of these things, friends take one's life to another level.

Fortunately, I still have friends throughout the country, though I do not see them as frequently as I would like. For that reason, the last few weeks have felt invigorating due to visits by two close friends from Austin and my visit to one of my best friends from medical school in New York. I did not realize how much my life was wanting until I had a chance to see these loved ones.

What is it that makes a friend so special? The shorter answer may come from the question what don't friends bring to one's life? Friends remind you who you are and how far you have traveled. Friends introduce us to new pleasures and perspectives. Friends provide comfort, solace, and understanding in a world that often feels cold and remote. Friends are like family, but they love you even though you're not related!

My life would be very empty without the many friends who have and continue to touch my life. I have tried to be that kind of friend to them, too, over the years. Amidst all the chaos, suffering, and confusion, friends offer a lifeline, a throughline, and a mainline of experiences and memories that can last a lifetime. 

If you haven't reached out to a friend lately, I encourage you to do so. I promise you will feel much better and so will they. I know I do everytime I see an old friend or make a new one!