For Once, Why Don’t We?

There was a flurry of excitement in the household of a family whose oldest child was preparing to leave for her freshman year at the State University in Fredonia, New York. Said the mother…

Despite the fact that the college was just ninety miles away, in a town where we often visited relatives, I still felt a sense of impending loss. As I helped my daughter into her car, I issued my last piece of advice. “Call me,” I said, “if you have any questions about the courses.” Then I turned toward the house. Suddenly, I heard the slamming of brakes and an urgent appeal: “Mom!” she shouted, “Which way’s Fredonia?”1

Now there’s a question that’s loaded with symbolism. There are times in all parent-child relationships when a son or daughter slams on the brakes and shouts out, figuratively speaking, “Mom…Dad…Which way’s the really good life?” That’s not just a good question, it’s a crucial question. And it deserves an answer that goes…