Summer 2020

August is one of those turning-point months if you have older children. That’s the time when they start to go back to college.

It’s an exciting time for them, as most schools are trying to have some type of on-site living. They’ll be able to meet their friends again. For me, it’s a time of mixed emotions. Letting go has always been hard, but I’m happy that they’re happy.

We’re fortunate that we have been having a healthy summer. And, there have been many bright spots.

First up, our children surprised us in June with a special wedding anniversary dinner at our patio.

Mrs. T. went to a local river with me. On a different day, so did one of our daughters.

Of course, I’ve continued to get up at 2 am to 3 am on most Saturdays to fish.

 

Against all odds, one of our kids’ schools recently pulled off a delayed in-person high school graduation ceremony. Everything was outside, everyone wore masks, and families were seated in groups apart from each other. It was a great way to have closure and to say goodbye to a school that has done so much for our daughters.

I started a reading group for some college friends and me. We Zoomed for the first time yesterday, and it was great to see everyone. We read about, and then discussed, The Grant Study. It is the longest-ever study on what makes for a meaningful and fulfilled life.

Last, it has been an incredibly busy month for me. I’ll be part-time at Harvard Business School this upcoming semester! I’m still not sure how it happened, but I was invited to join the faculty. I will teach a section of a second-year course on venture capital and private equity starting in September.

It’s hard to explain, but I definitely felt called to teach there. A few years ago, I was asked to join the school’s Alumni Board (it isn’t as fancy as it may sound). Part of the work was to spend time with students. Those meetings were among the most emotionally rewarding work that I’ve done in a long time.

So, I’m very excited to be getting more involved with students.

I hope you’re all somewhere safe and comfortable. I hope you enjoy the final days of 2020’s summer. It is one that we will never forget….

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