A thank you note

Dear University of Notre Dame,

It's been a tough week, and even though it's getting back to normal, I'm not sure we're all the way there, not that we should be.  After recent events it's actually kind of shocking that we're not more thrown off.  Anyway, I'd like to thank you for being you.

College is supposed to be a buffer between childhood and the real world, and it is for the most part, but there are times that it feels like we've been launched into adulthood way too soon.  Stress builds up, schoolwork is daunting, sleep gets pushed to the wayside, and time seems to accelerate to incredible speeds.  Frankly, it sucks.  Fortunately, you've been able to counteract that in a bunch of ways, but mostly just by feeling like home.

Being a part of a community is priceless.  Having people to relate to, people who are in the same boat as you, people who have your back, people who understand what's going on in your life, your struggles and successes, is an unparalleled feeling.  Looking back at the major events of my life, it's not really the events that I miss, but the people associated with those events.  I miss the interactions, I miss overcoming adversity with them, I miss the inside jokes and the support system and the way that I learned about them in a way that can only happen from interacting with someone.  The reason I miss playing competitive sports so much is that I miss my teammates and I miss being on a team.  That's a special bond that doesn't compare to much.  On a team, everybody is on the same level and looking for the same thing, even though they can be totally different people, from totally different backgrounds, with totally different personalities.  That feeling is hard to replicate.

That's where you come in, Notre Dame.  You've given me that same sense of belonging.  This place is definitely home to me.  It's not my only home, but it definitely is a home, and I'm surrounded by family.  The dorms are homes, roommates are brothers, and rectors are fathers.  The pride that everyone has in this place is what makes us all stand up for it to the level that we do and what makes us back each other up in the way that we do.  No matter what goes on, somebody has your back, and knowledge of that is extremely comforting.  Thanks for that Notre Dame, I really appreciate it.  Even though sometimes you throw me into the fire that is the responsibility of adulthood, I'm glad that you always have someone to jump in after me.

Even though it's been a hard past couple of days, we're gonna bounce back.  I promise.  That's what families do for each other.  We help each other through tough times like this.  You've always helped all of us when we're down, so we're all going to have to help each other, and help you, since you're down.  We'll get back there.  We owe it to you.

Love,
Young William

"Hello Everybody" - Louis Nix

Dear Will 2010,

Blogs are for self-centered assholes who think the world should accept their opinions and only their opinions.  Whatever you do, avoid them altogether, and especially don't write one.  That would be the worst.  You shouldn't be wasting your time on that stuff.  Remember your goals:

1.  Play second base and bat in the 2-hole for the Indians (after at least one season/national championship for Carolina basketball)
2.  Marry Topenga from Boy Meets World
3.  Build a golf course in our backyard

Don't let anything stop you.  Including* blogs.

Much love,
Will 1991-2009


*By "including" I mean: "Especially stupid as hell"


Dear Will 1991-2009,

Dually noted.  I'm playing hard to get with Topenga ("Treat them like dirt, they'll stick like mud" - Michael), so I'm pretty sure that's under control.  At this point, I bet that the Tribe will take just about anybody to play second base, so the fact that you've played catch in the past two weeks will look really good in Spring Training.  You're set.  The championship for the Heels is looking questionable, but I still have all my eligibility, so we just have to make a mental note to Will 2013 that he should apply to some grad programs or something.  Once again, should be set.

1.  Play second base and bat in the 2-hole for the Indians (after at least one season/national championship for Carolina basketball)
2.  Marry Topenga from Boy Meets World
3.  Build a golf course in our backyard

I'll look into the golf course.  Or at least a replica of Sawgrass #17.  I'll get back to you.  Anyway, I'm coming to realize that since you're in the past, you really won't ever know about this blog.  So we're good there, right?  Cool.

I miss you.

Love,
Will 2010