Going back to where it all began.

We had a big family trip. It may not be big to many but it was for Paul and I along with Anastasia. We went to visit our old Alma Mater. For those who know me know it's Clarkson University. To go back after being away for 6 years had me nervous. I felt like I was a freshman going to away for the first time. It was truly such a fun experience. When we got to the campus it felt like so much had changed yet there Clarkson was with a bit of familiarity. Between the dorm room changes to new buildings connecting the old. Let me feeling "come on students, brave the cold ;)" It almost felt reminiscent of my father and many parents like my father saying "You know I walked 3 miles to school, uphill in the middle of a snow storm."

We were very surprised when the Arena manager let us see the dressing rooms for the men's and women's hockey teams. This is where 4 years of my life was spent and walking behind those doors after 6 years away, felt like home. The rooms are blocked off from the general public so I knew how special it was that we were getting this opportunity. Some changes had happened and one of the biggest ones was seeing that hockey puck at the top of the tier in the dressing room. In it's 11 years since starting Clarkson Women's team went on to capture the gold in the NCAA championships. This is huge and to me was a huge honor to know that I was able to play a part (very small mind you) in where the program has ended up. While I didn't win the gold per say I was beaming so proud of those women for what they had accomplished, for the hard work they put in and the respect they demanded on the ice. Being apart of a teams history like this is something I'll alway wear proudly and I know other Alumni feel the same.

Being able to go in that dressing room with my daughter in tow standing in front of the spot where I got dressed for every early morning practice, experience many up's and downs and dressed for each game was euphoric. And I hope I can do it again when she's at an age to understand how neat it is. It only drove home how much I hope we're able to give her the same opportunities my parents were able to give me. For all the tireless years they spent bringing me to hockey practices and games, all of the money spent on hotel rooms, gas, equipment and ice fees. All of that allowed me to get a full scholarship to play a game that I love and have loved all of my life. Nothing beats that feeling, my parents offered me the world and I was blessed to have that. I hope we're able to do the same for Anastasia. Maybe it'll be with hockey, maybe it'll be in Chess, chemistry, music. Who knows, I just hope she's able to find the one thing she loves most and preserver with our help, guidance and support.

Here are a few photos from the fun weekend.