Recently my 17 year old son Beck had to have his car repaired and his insurance policy covered a rental car. However, because he’s six months shy of legal adulthood, I was the only one allowed to drive it. Beck had to make due with driving my minivan. Or as his dad used to call it, “The Shaggin’ Wagon Loser Cruiser.” I was excited to have the new car experience without any real financial commitment. I believed I would have the superior car for the week, judging by the exterior of the rental. I placed my car keys in Beck’s hand with a smirky grin and confidently walked across the…

At my high school graduation, there were the usual guest speakers who blabbed incessantly about reaching our potential, chasing our dreams, and other well meaning inspirational drivel. I couldn’t tell you who the valedictorian was. None of the speeches were memorable to me. I do remember the overnight party held afterwards, where the entire graduating class stayed up all night at a local private gym. We swam, watched movies, ate unhealthy food, and laughed a lot. In the morning, everyone was treated to a delicious pancake breakfast in the school gym. There were raffle prizes to win as well. I was ecstatic when my name was called and they told me…