Homage to SweaterWeek: Day 2 - We'll Find Our Way

We'll Find Our Way

By, David Peterson

Robert and I met in first grade. Ms. Normile's class. Two nerdy boys who liked school a bit too much. We lucked into the same class for 2nd and 3rd grade (where we co-starred in a play called Water, Water, Everywhere, which was maybe about conservation?) and then Mrs. Parry's for 4th and 5th. We tested into the same math class in middle school and sat next to each other in band so that pretty much tied us at the hip from 6th grade through senior year.

We somehow ended up at Dartmouth together, as well. Never imagined we could both get in, but we applied early anyway and hoped for the best. After school, I landed in Boston and he landed in NYC. But within 2 years, I made my way to the city and all was right with the world once again. We often joked that we'd probably grow old together inadvertently...live on separate coasts but then move into the same old folks home without realizing the other was there. We were fated to find our way back together, eventually, we'd say.

There's a crispness in the air today that makes me think of sweaters, which of course makes me think of Robert, and in particular, makes me think about Robert in the fall, a special breed of Robert we all know and love.

I'd often catch a ride with him back to Dartmouth after Thanksgiving. One year, and I really don't remember why, I was in a crappy mood. But what I do remember is sliding into the front seat next to Robert and seeing that twinkle in his eye. Because it was finally Christmas music season. 

I was not in the mood to listen to Christmas music. But, as I'm sure you can guess, we listened to Christmas music for 3 hours straight. No repeats (that was forbidden) except for All I Want for Christmas is You (to be played while driving up West Wheelock) and Santa Baby (did you know, he's related to Eartha Kitt?). And by the end up the drive, I was belting out Mariah Carey along side him. 

When I think about Robert, these are the moments that bubble to the top. He was the rare person who could create joy through sheer force of will. He was silly and witty and kind, but most of all, he was unabashedly and insistently himself.

To my friend, Robert. Eventually we'll find our way back together again.