As our children grew and got involved in their own things, the time we had with friends got squeezed out by the driving.  Then squashed by Covid.  Then squeezed again as activities picked back up.  We used to be able to schedule a playdate with friends and even if the kids had never met, they would mix and have fun. As they grew, that got harder, so now we work on seeing each other when we are without kids. 

I probably can’t remember where I was last Tuesday at 8:45 am, but I remember exactly where I was on September 11, 2001 when I heard the news.  I remember how I felt.  I remember the images.  I remember who I talked with and how my community processed it. Time stopped that moment and then everything was slow motion for weeks on end. 

While January 1 marks a new year on the calendar, the First Day of School marks a new year for most of America.