Dear Kid,

“You don’t seem like yourself today.”

I’ve always wanted to respond, “Oh, really? Who do I seem like?” but I never have.

“Are you OK? You don’t seem quite right.” “Have you seen John today? He doesn’t quite seem like himself.”

What does it mean to be not yourself? Does it mean someone else has taken over your body? And if so, do you hope this new visitor will take you out for lunch and a haircut?

Do you get to pick who you are if you’re not yourself? I think I’ll be Donald Trump today…

When I was in college, I was often uncomfortable at parties where I didn’t know anyone. I’d pretend to be a friend of mine who was gorgeous and outgoing—it was easier to be her than to be me. I generally ended up somewhere between the two of us which was OK.

When people say “you don’t seem like yourself” I think they generally mean “you don’t seem quite as chipper as you normally do.” They never mean “well, you’re in a good mood for a change.”

And yet our less-than-chipper moods are part of us. We all have times when the unicorns and butterflies have grown fangs and gotten Goth tattoos.

Maybe when people say “you don’t seem like yourself today” they mean “is everything ok?” Maybe it’s a way of checking in without being too pushy or direct. Although it always seems fairly pushy to me.

Hope you’re feeling like yourself today. Whichever mood of yours that might be. Because imho, you are a great person to be. Whether you have unicorns have tats or not.

Love, Mom

Dear Kid,

As you probably know, I think studying (especially for a College Kid) is important.

As you may or may not know, I adore the company Epipheo. I think they are positively genius at explaining complex things in a way people most of us a monkey I can understand.

Imagine my delight when I discovered one of their videos (yes, I should have been sleeping, but this is Epipheo) that talked about studying. Well, it talks about learning and sounds kind of like Dad (“Put down your communication device!”) but it’s fun and they’re right.

So pull up a small moment and watch the video. Extra points if you tell me the one word in this short video that made me smile the most (and unlike most of my posts, the answer is not at the end, so you’ll actually have to think. But I’m guessing you’ll get it.).

So what is your plan for a little down-time today? And did you figure out my favorite word?

Love, Mom

Dear Kid,

Welcome back to campus!

How does it feel to be back, albeit in a different dorm with different roommates and different classes and different expectations and different and experiences?

It’s amazing how returning to someplace can be familiar and new all at the same time…

According to research that has yet to be formalized, sophomore year is an excellent time. You have a vague idea of what is expected of you (having figured that out freshman year), you have friends and know how to make more (having figured that out your freshman year), you know where buildings and offices are (having figured that out your freshman year). Now all you have to do is figure out new classes and how to be a sophomore. Easy peasy.

One thing to remember is your parents. You may have heard of us. We’re the people who drove you to school yesterday, made your bed (for what I assume is the first and last time all year), and bought you lunch. We are the people who will look for the things you forgot to bring with you and mail them to you on Monday. We are the people who will nag you and fuss at you and ask annoying questions and still love you to pieces. We are just some of the people who are here for you. Always. Whether you want us or not.

Don’t forget to check in every now and then.

Have a wonderful year.

Love, Mom

Dear Kid,

Once Upon A Time, I went to college. It was fabulous. (Don’t get me wrong—life before college was happy—but college is a little different.) I met great people, got to know New England winters, and I learned weird things like double entry accounting and that people from Kansas wore wool plaid shorts with knee-socks in the winter (both concepts took me years to understand). It was wonderful.

Then I went to graduate school. I was living in Manhattan with the World’s Greatest Roommate (Grandma Pat), I was going to school in Harlem, and I met wonderful people. We had group projects and Thursday Night Gatherings and I loved it. It was the happiest time of my life.

After graduate school, I landed my dream job. I traveled, worked on exciting projects, and enjoyed the freedom of being 20-something in New York City. It was the best time of my life.

Then I met Daddy and we got married. I had my best friend (we didn’t know how to say BFF back then) as my roommate and it was absolutely the best time of my life.

When you came along, things changed (for the better). I was exhausted (you were not known for sleeping) but you were the happiest, most wonderful person in the world, and I loved spending time with you (still do). It was magical and the best time I could possibly imagine.

We moved to the midwest and added Pi to the family. Watching the two of you was (usually) a joy. I couldn’t imagine anything better.

Eventually, you both grew out of diapers and naps and we were able to go on longer excursions. You went from being interesting babies to being incredibly interesting people. You taught us all sorts of things and it was by far the best time of my life.

As you got involved with sports, my life evolved again (yup, I became a soccer mom). I loved watching you play (except for the time when you almost got kicked in the head). I had a whole new dimension in my world and it was The Best.

Each step along the way has gotten more and more interesting. There have, of course, been bumps—some of them bigger than others. Some of them don’t seem too important now; some of them I’d still rather not think about. Would I trade them if I could? Probably not (except for the really bad spaghetti at Mammoth Cave when you were 2—no one should have to endure that). Even the car wreck that left its permanent fingerprint on my back helped make today…today. And today is the best time of my life.

As we move into the New Year, I wish you sweetness and health and happiness. I hope this year brings you the best time of your life—at least for now.

Shana Tova, kiddo,

Love, Mom