Another story from earlier days.
On May 23rd, 2003 I graduated from high school. For better or worse, one of the finest days of my entire life.
At the time I didn’t drink alcohol, I was single, and I had my whole future ahead of me.
So what did I do to celebrate?
I went to my friend Frank’s house. And played Halo.
Indeed I think we played Halo until at least 5am.
I’m not really sure why or how things ended up that way. You might think that high school graduation would be more festive. But in some way it was a final moment when Frank and I could sit together as two kids before heading our separate ways in life.
Anyway, the game of Halo wasn’t really the most important aspect of my evening.
I remember getting into my car in that stillness before morning truly begins. And as I headed up the Berlin Turnpike towards Hartford the sky ahead of me was painted in yellow-orange sunlight. The sun wasn’t yet up but all in front of me was that light.
And obviously that’s how I felt at that moment.
I felt that things would truly be alright.
I’d finally made it through the crucible of high school and I’d emerged stronger and better than anyone would have imagined.
Of course the future was bright.
Life isn’t a straight line like that. I suppose I should have known that.
But between May 23rd and the first day of college I spent an entire summer bathed in that sunlight. So sure that things would be better tomorrow.
Sometimes I wonder what I’d say to that “me”. In fact I wonder if that “me” would even recognize the person I became. In some ways I’m still me.
But in others, I’ve shrunk away.
Only wishing I could be back in my car with the sun just beginning to rise.
