anyway.

We're thinking about Sebastian and school - school is letting Sebastian down in a big way. My folks homeschooled me for a few years, starting when I was about Sebastian's age. So I was remembering this story, this moment between my dad and me:

Me: I was telling Sebastian about how you'd give us dolomite pills when we were little.
Dad: Yeah?
Me: And he said, "did they hate you?"
Dad: Hmph.

...much later...

Me: So, yeah, Sebastian went back to school this week.
Dad: Do you hate him?
Me: Hmph.

Back from GenCon, I said to Drew, and then later to my mom: "dad was really smart about working well with other people. I wish I could talk to him about it. I have these opportunities, and these challenges, and I'm sure he could give me really smart advice."

My mom said, "I'm sure he could, but Vincent, you're really smart about that too. You already learned most of what he could teach you, just by watching him."

I still wish I could talk to him about it. Instead, I can remember what he did, and think about what he'd say.

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything.
I Corinthians 13:4-7

I don't pray, of course - how ridiculous would that be? - but this love is what I pray for.