Memories


It’s been an intense seven days.

Went to the high school graduation of our oldest child. I felt a great deal of pride and sadness. I was expecting the former and was surprised by the latter.

I had some work meetings that were very fulfilling. Had one that was insanely stressful, but am glad that everything seems to be working out. Had some great conversations with Eric as we worked through some portfolio company issues. It’s a source of great joy that we work well together.

And, honestly, I right now have the very real feeling that, well, I’m aging. My doctor says that I’m in great health. I go in for a physical annually, and she always says that my blood test stats and resting heart rate are ridiculously good. I exercise daily and have healthy eating habits. So, physically, I feel young.

But, I mentally am feeling much, much older.

Our son’s school had all of the parents of the graduating seniors meet last month with a psychiatrist who specializes in adolescence. He told us about what our sons were feeling and what they needed most from us as they transition to college. He also told us to be aware that we were going to feel some stress and a sense of loss.

Boy, do I ever.

So, this being a Friday, I decided to do a late lunch at one of my favorite sushi places, the original Oishii Sushi place, the hole-in-a-wall spot in Chestnut Hill.

Spicy tuna and salmon handrolls? Yes, please. Some sushi from the specials menu, like amadai, geoduck, aji, Hokkaido uni? Of course.

So, yes, I guess this is food therapy. I’m good with that.

As I sat there eating happily and sipping green tea, I realized that I hadn’t been there in a few years. The restaurant looks the same. The fish was as impeccable as always. The owner was there. But, I realized that I’ve changed.

And, change keeps coming. Our 2nd child is a rising high school senior. So, we will go through another year of very happy moments and goodbyes. She recently invited her class over to our house. A classmate, sadly, is moving to London. So, they threw her a surprise party. A sub-group of the class did all of the work for the party: the planning, the buying, the set-up, the clean-up. I was impressed.

With time seemingly so fleeting, I actually changed my work schedule to be there. “I’m not going to miss a chance to make memories,” I thought.

I’m so glad I did. At one point, they unveiled a cake for the guest. Spontaneously, the class formed a circle and started to sing a song. It’s Adele’s “Someone Like You.” I was there to record it (see below, or, click here).

Another very happy memory with one of my children. As the adage says, you always can make more money, but, you cannot ever make more time.

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