Your son and I have lived similar lives. I too am a graduate of USC (Fight On!) and I am from Apple Valley, MN. Both of my parents were teachers at one point in their lives. My father hated it, but my mother loved it.

My parents were good at providing books for my brother and I. Our family's prized possession was our complete set of the Encyclopedia. They just were not aware they were the targets of a unilateral arms race at the school book fair. nor did I.

Thanks for reading what I wrote and the note.