In addition to being a fine Whiskeytown song from their great 1997 record, “Stranger’s Almanac,” 16 Days is the vacation I’m enjoying through August 14th. It got off to a really nice start yesterday at a department outing. The get-together was held at Dave and Terry’s. I’ve known Dave since he worked with me at NEC developing an IT system to run our service business in 1994, but yesterday was the first time meeting his wonderful family. To me, their family dynamic is full of love, laughter and great communication between all the members. It was a delight to observe.

As we dodged the raindrops and looked at the pool on an unseasonably cool day, everyone seemed content to focus on the emotional Red Sox win and all the great food. Well, everyone except Kyle. In spite of the two dozen lobsters, steak, burgers, dogs, salads, Norm’s chili with “Da Bomb” sauce, Alan’s Key Lime Pie and Shira’s outstanding strawberry shortcake, Kyle didn’t eat a thing. It would be later in the day that I discoverd why Kyle had no appetite…

As I entered the old, historic home, a familiar sound put a smile on my face. Kyle was sitting on the couch, belting out the words to “Maria” with Dave and Terry’s 12 year old daughter, Brett. Brett had put on “The Sound of Music,” made them popcorn and grabbed cans of Coke. It really warmed my heart to see my boy so happy. He talked about Brett and Terry the whole ride home. He also seemed a little sad. I’m not sure why. Maybe he thought he’d never see them again. Maybe it was something more. Nothing breaks my heart more than when Kyle seems aware of his limitations. Hey dude, we all have them. We’ll spend some of the next 14 days overcoming them.