It's All Happening

It's all happening.

- Penny Lane (Almost Famous)

Last week was rough at work for a variety of reasons.  Covered up, as usual.  The sudden and unexpected departure of my legal assistant who, as is turns out, didn't learn a thing about being honest, ethical, and professional that I spent a year and a half trying to teach her.  New people starting, which actually is a good thing.  Still, it adds to my responsibilities at the office.  

I had a deposition all day yesterday, although we broke so I could participate in a Zoom hearing on a motion I filed in a different case.  It's a lot and next week is more of the same.  Mediations Monday and Tuesday, a hearing on Thursday with an attorney I detest, and so it goes.  When my day at work wound down, at last, I was exhausted.  Spent.

To my surprise and delight, one the ride home I got a telephone call from a teacher who taught the boys at Children's House (Montessori school) so many, many years ago.  I was on the board for several years and, later, served a board president.  The six or seven year run we had, with our boys, at Children's House were maybe the best years of my life.  Uncomplicated times.  I love those days with my whole heart.  I drive by Children's House almost every day and, every time, I smile as I pass by and recall our time there. 

It' been seven years, by my count, since Joe left Children's House.  After talking with her for a half hour, it's apparent that a lot has changed there, mostly due to the pandemic.  Much like what happened at University School, some longtime traditions that went on hiatus during the pandemic never returned.  At USN, it was Grandparents' Day and the Fourth Grade Operetta.  Similarly, at Children's House, annual events that brought alumni and grandparents to the school, to visit, are no longer, which is a shame.  The result, at both schools, I think, is a loss of community.  

Part of the problem is generational.  Younger teachers at both schools simply do not want to put in the extra time, after hours, to organize and attend an annual event for the school.  They see teaching as a job.  A means to an end and not a profession or a true calling.  Those type of attitudes among younger people are not endemic to teachers, not by any means.  I see it in my office, too.  I am completely comfortable generalizing when I say that younger people - probably 35 and younger - have little or no capacity to see the big picture and work within an organization for something greater than themselves.  It's complete self-absorption that prevents them from going above and beyond what is required. 

Do the bare minimum.  That seems to be the mantra of every person 35 and younger.  Life revolves around me.  That's the second mantra.

I digress.  It was so nice to talk to the boys' former teacher and to get caught up.  As I told her, every success JP and Joe have had is, in part, because of what they learned and who they became in those formative years at Children's House, ages 3 - 6.  Outside of Jude and me, the faculty and staff at Children's House, along with Carley Meade, were the two biggest influences on my boys' lives when they were younger.  

When I arrived home, still smiling after my long telephone conversation, I got a text from Maureen, our next-door-neighbor.  She asked if we could stop boy to say goodbye to Erin, who was leaving for college at Barnard College in New York City Saturday morning.  Wow.  I knew that day was coming and that, well, it was very close, but still.  I mean, wow. 

When we moved in next door, Erin was, probably eight or nine years old.  We've watched her grow up into an intelligent, interesting, precocious, and beautiful young lady.  Actually, she was all of those things from the very first day we met her.  Simply put, she's one of the most impressive young people, male of female, I've ever had in my life on a regular basis.  She is destined to be a rock star in life.  No question about it. She's so talented and smart.  

Erin gives new meaning to the term, well rounded, as she's a great student, an accomplished singer and actress, a burgeoning political activist who cares deeply about the world and her place in it.  Early on, not long after we moved into our house on Linden Avenue, I said she would be President one day.  I still believe that.  Erin is that singularly talented.  I'm so proud of her and excited for her, as she leaves for the New York City to begin life as college student.

My friends and neighbors, Scott and Liz Holly were out walking their dog as I visited with Erin in front of her house, so they got to tell Erin goodbye and good luck, as well.  It was nice to catch up with them for minute or two.  

I walked inside and, still in my jacket and tie from work, poured myself a bourbon.  With Jude and the boys gone to MBA's football opener against Pearl Cohn (a 17 - 14 win for the Big Red), the house was dark and quiet.  Perfect after the week I had at work.  I went upstairs to my office, sat in my favorite red chair in the corner by my desk, and sipped my bourbon in the dark.  No music.  No lights.  No distraction.  Just a few minutes of solitude that I desperately needed.

As I sat in the dark, unwinding, I got a text from JP.  He had just learned that he'd been elected co-captain of the cross country team this season.  Normally, captains are elected at camp and that hadn't happened a few weeks ago, so he had assumed there might not be captains this year.  As a result, this was an unexpected surprise and something that means a great deal to him.

It's an honor and on that is deserved from my vantage point.  JP has worked so hard this summer.  No baseball, no distractions, just running all summer long.  He's sacrificed.  He's been disciplined.  He's been dedicated.  That's who he is.  To see him recognized as a co-captain, as a junior, is very special.  

His co-captain?  Jack McDaniel, a senior and good friend.  Jack and JP went to Children's House together and were in the same class and best friends in those days.  Full circle?  I think so.

It's all happening.