What a night!

Things turned out better than I could have possibly hoped for! I am going to run through this as fast as possible because it's Saturday and there is a lot to be done in preparation for tonight.

I picked her up from the hotel at 730 and we headed to the restaurant. I was nervous. Conversation was shallow and awkward. At the restaurant things started to relax, and she asked me how UVM was going. I gave her a very censored version... somehow trying to describe what I have been up to to here without mentioning a word about PIKE PHIsh. Finally she took my hands and cut me off: "Dad. You sound like Daniel. I know about your fraternity. I think it's great that you're making the most out of your college experience despite your age. Tell me about your life!"

The ice was shattered and I was extremely relieved. I told her everything... sans the more embarrassing stories about myself and those involving excess substance abuse. I told her I was happy. She told me she was happy.

We had a couple drinks after dinner and I realized the time, 10:30, I had to get to Relay.

"Chels, this has been a great time. I'm very glad you came to visit, it means everything to me. I know I haven't been the world's best Dad to you, and I regret it. You turned out better than I think I could have influenced, I suppose I know deep down that your mom is a great woman and mother. I need to be at a fundraiser at UVM in half an hour... unfortunately.."
"What fundraiser? I'm not going back to watch a $10 movie in my room, I'm here to visit you! Take me along!"

Chelsea and I walked the circle, representing PIKE PHIsh (yes, an interesting image, 63-year-old man with his college-aged daughter representing a frat). We walked and talked for 3 hours (I'd say fuck the wasted kids that missed their shifts, but I couldn't have been happier). We talked about everything: what she is up to in life, Daniel, plans for the future, even how Sheila is holding up. I had forgotten how great family can make you feel. Holding this conversation with my daughter made me more happy than anything PIKE PHIsh has ever provided.