Happy 30th, Katie
Congratulations on your 30th birthday. Wow, 30 on 30.
In a way it really doesn’t seem that long ago that I drove your mother from our house in Hinsdale (35 S Adams) to NW hospital to give birth to you, our first child.
I have to confess that as parents we knew little about raising a child. It was on the job training the every day.
What we did know was that it was important that we raised children who cared about others and who had ample opportunity to realize their full potential via love, example and education. Someday, at an appropriate time, chances are you will find yourself in the same situation. trust me, it will seem daunting at times but the effort will be worth it.
I can only hope that your children will turn out as great as did ours.
Katie, I am very proud of you. For so many reasons.
On Childhood …
At a very early age you it was clear you had exceptional social skills.
Before you learned English you would babble with made up sounds as if you were having a conversation with us. You would be chatting away wanting to be a part of the conversation. We gave you the nickname Baby Gobbly Gook.
I remember one day in kindergarten or first grade, they had an open house at school. You explained to your mom and me all the different relationship in the class, who played with who etc. I was quite amazed that you had mapped out all the social relationships at such an early age.
When I took a job in the suburbs we moved from Hinsdale to Wilmette. We wanted to be able to attend your after school activities and the drive from the Western towns to the North Shore took too long to be able to attend them.
I recall many a soccer game when you would be out on the field holding hands with a teammate and chatting as the game played on around you.
Our first Wilmette house on Washington St was quite the place as there were many young kids on the block. Every day in the Summer saw a scrum of kids swarming the neighborhood. You were usually leading the pack.
You were always a planner.
As I recall it was very early when you began thinking about college and building your college resume. You would also build “lesson plans” for the neighborhood kids (and you cousins when we visited them).
Transition, to college…
Sending a child off to college is both a difficult and proud time for a parent. One one hand it is a proud moment to recognize that our daughter has matured enough to become independent. On the other it is bitter sweet to let go and relinquish the sense of being needed that a parent becomes accustomed to from a child.
Your mom and I made it about three blocks after dropping you off at Syracuse before we had to pull over and wipe away a few tears. Our daughter Katie had left the nest.
I’m very proud of how you navigated the disappointment of Syracuse and transition to Elon. In the end it made you stronger and became the foundation for some life long friendships. I was also impressed how you built your resume via internships and appreciated that you allowed me to help you apply for some of them. The work once there was all yours.
Independence at last …
We were very proud when you landed your first job. As noted earlier you were always a planer and very driven. Much more so than was I at your age, I must confess. All your preparation paid off.
I have enjoyed watching you navigate your career and the thought and energy you have put into it. At times I worried that it was stressing you out, and it was, but I’m now comforted that you have found a much better work /life balance. Although I haven met Eric, I’m confident that you have found a good partner.
Now at 30
Personally when I turned 30 It seemed mike a milestone to me. I was working in Chicago, had not yet met your mother, but somehow it felt like I was becoming mature.
Hinsdale was also where your mom and I began our house building efforts. Yes, it did require a fair amount of moving but in the end it funded your college education. I do recognize the sacrifices you made with our frequent moving.
When I switched jobs