Getting Old!

My dad is turning 50 years old on Monday, September 30th, and I wanted to use this blog post to highlight some of my favorite memories with him over the years. Now that I'm in my final year of undergrad and looking to start a career in a different area than where I grew up, it's a bittersweet feeling. I know it’s hard on families to see their "baby boy" all grown up, especially when I'm preparing to leave the nest. In the most childlike way, my dad has always been my best friend. We've always shared a close bond, and a big part of that came from the countless trips and long car rides we took for sports. Growing up, my parents' philosophy was to keep me active and exposed to a variety of experiences, whether it was sports, travel, or interactions with others. And my dad was always right there with me, cheering me on every step of the way.

One of my most cherished memories with my dad is a trip my family took to Boston in 2012 when I was ten years old. A pretty bad storm hit the Greater Washington, D.C. area, and instead of staying cooped up at home, my parents decided we should hit the road for an adventure. So, we packed up and drove to Boston, making some memorable stops along the way in New York City and New Jersey. I still vividly remember our day at Six Flags in New Jersey, where we rode the Kingda Ka, the tallest roller coaster in the world at the time. I was nervous, but having my dad there gave me the courage to take it on.

But what stands out most to me from that trip happened in Boston on the 4th of July. My dad and I attended the Red Sox vs. Yankees game, one of the biggest rivalries in all of sports. I was already excited just to be there, but then, during the 7th-inning stretch, something special happened. They started playing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," a song I loved as a kid, not just for the catchy lyrics but because I was really into baseball back then. As we sang along, my dad put his arm around me, and for a few minutes, it felt like time stood still. We belted out the song together, and in that moment, I felt this incredible bond between us. It’s one of those memories I’ll carry with me forever, a reminder of how my dad has always been my rock, support, and biggest fan.

As I look back now, especially with my own future starting to unfold, I realize just how much those moments meant to me. They weren’t just fun trips or games, they were the foundation of a relationship that has shaped who I am. My dad has always been there, pushing me to try new things, supporting me through the ups and downs, and ensuring I knew I wasn’t alone. And even though I’m getting ready to take on new challenges and move on to the next stage of my life, I know that bond will always be there, no matter where I go. I’m incredibly grateful for all the memories we’ve made, and I can’t wait to create even more.

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