Homecoming

I went back to New Hampshire for Dartmouth's Homecoming this past weekend. While making my way toward the Upper Valley, I found myself reflecting on the occasion, whose name seemed especially apt. As much as anywhere else, Hanover is home for me. I spent the four most formative years of my life there, during which time I met both my Savior and my future wife. What's more, I'm going back after paramedic school to get married and begin wedded life there.

But that lies ahead, and Homecoming is ultimately an occasion for looking nostalgically backward. As an undergrad I had never paid much attention to the visiting alumni, but then again, I could barely imagine life apart from Dartmouth, either. And whether it was the football team thinking wistfully about November 3, 2007 (the last time they had won a game before Saturday's impressive 28-6 victory over Columbia) or the numerous class mini-reunions around campus, The Past had a palpable physical presence throughout the weekend.

I got into the nostalgia act myself, coming out of retirement to take half a shift with Dartmouth EMS. It was a lot of fun to ride with them again, and encouraging besides. The unit has excellent student leadership this year and a small but committed cadre of supporters in the administration. They have made incredible strides over the past two and a half years, and I am eagerly looking forward to seeing where things go from here.

The highlight of the weekend, of course, was getting to see my beautiful fiancee. Below is a photo taken at the Dartmouth Night Bonfire. Just over ten months until the wedding!









In other news, the NBA regular season starts tonight. My Knicks haven't given me much to cheer about recently, but it's a brand new year and anything can happen!